Local deacon shares reaction to Pope Francis’ speech

Pope Francis became the first pontiff ever to address a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday.

During his speech he said, “I am most grateful for your invitation to address this joint session of Congress in the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

The Pope was greeted with a standing ovation. His words were not only heard by members of Congress, but by thousands waiting outside, and millions watching around the world. Deacon Scott Landis at the St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes was one of them.

Deacon Landis says, “I was just impressed at how open he is and how he dwelled on the idea of cooperation.”

Pope Francis didn’t shy away from controversial issues in the U.S. For example, he called for an end to the death penalty.

Deacon Landis says, “It was interesting that he touched on that. However, it’s also part of the culture of life that we as Catholics embrace. It’s the idea that God is in control from conception until natural death”

Pope Francis also urged Congressional members, and America as a whole, not to be afraid of immigrants. He suggests that they welcome them.

Deacon Landis continues, “His stance on immigration of course isn’t just our borders to the south, but also with the crisis in Syria and in Europe.”

Deacon Landis says he hopes these ideas inspire those who listened. He particularly hopes this is true for the two highest ranking Catholics in U.S. politics, Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner.   

The deacon continues, “I think that the Pope is trying to get them to consider those issues also in light of their beliefs.”

He says he’s guiding them somewhat like a father; “Which is what papa or Pope means. However, not just being a father for the Catholics, but for everybody.”

Pope Francis is on a six-day visit in the United States. He next heads up to Philadelphia. 47 ABC’s Greg Guidone and Allen Vickers will be heading there this weekend.

St. Jude the Apostle Church in Lewes will be live streaming the Pope’s mass in their parish life center on Sunday.