Pope Francis, speaking on the White House lawn Wednesday morning alongside President Obama and in front of thousands, delivered his first message to the United States, saying he was looking forward “to these days of encounter and dialogue.”
“I am deeply grateful for your welcome in the name of all Americans. As the son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families. I look forward to these days of encounter and dialogue, in which I hope to listen to, and share, many of the hopes and dreams of the American people,” Francis said.
In his address, the Argentinian touched on the topics of climate change and religious freedom, immediately putting two controversial topics at the forefront of his visit.
“With countless other people of goodwill, [American Catholics] are likewise concerned that efforts to build a just and wisely ordered society respect their deepest concerns and their right to religious liberty. That freedom reminds one of America’s most precious possessions … all are called to be vigilant, precisely as good citizens, to preserve and defend that freedom from everything that would threaten or compromise it,” Francis said, turning to look at Obama as he spoke.
The pontiff also praised Obama for his work in combating climate change.
“Mr. President, I am finding it encouraging that you are proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution, accepting the urgency. It seems clear to me also that climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to future generations. When it comes to the care of our common home we are living at a critical moment of history,” Francis said to applause from the gathered crowd.
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