Alabama Congressman hopes Pope focuses on issues of faith, not political agenda

Pope Francis addresses the United States from the South Lawn of the White House (CNN video Screenshot)

WASHINGTON — Pope Francis’s first trip to the United States has dominated the news cycle for the last two days, with rapt coverage of everything from his plane’s delay to what First Lady Michelle Obama wore to meet the pontiff. Now, many leaders are concerned the Holy Father will use his pulpit while in the U.S. to focus on politics rather than faith.

“Along with most of my colleagues, I’m looking forward to hearing what Pope Francis has to say to Thursday’s historic Joint Session of Congress,” said Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL4) Wednesday morning. “As the leader of the largest Christian denomination in the world, I hope that his message is centered on aspects of faith and the challenges facing Christians around the world. I’m especially reminded of those who face persecution for simply trying to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is a unique opportunity to bring the nation and world the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope that is the message that we hear rather than temporal politics.”

Unfortunately for Rep. Aderholt and those who share his opinion, Pope Francis has thus far taken several opportunities to, not spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but instead wade into such divisive political issues as immigration and climate change.

It is “encouraging that you are proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution,” the pontiff said in his first speech of the trip on the South Lawn of the White House. “Accepting the urgency, it seems clear to me also that climate change is a problem that can no longer be left to a future generation.”

Pope Francis did make one observation that may serve as some comfort to conservatives who advocate for traditional marriage, saying the family needed to be protected at “a critical moment in the history of our civilization.”

American Catholics are increasingly “concerned that efforts to build a just and wisely ordered society respect their deepest concerns and their right to religious liberty. That freedom remains one of America’s most precious possessions,” he added.

The White House has come under fire, including drawing the criticism of the Pope himself, for using the visit to advance his own political agenda.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the “Obama administration’s decision to invite to the pope’s welcome ceremony transgender activists, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop and an activist nun who leads a group criticized by the Vatican for its silence on abortion and euthanasia” has earned the Vatican’s ire.

The Holy See will address a joint session of Congress Thursday, and wrap up his six day visit with trips to New York City and Philadelphia later in the week.