On Thursday, Pope Francis spoke to Congress, the first pontiff to ever address a Joint Meeting of Congress. Members of the Florida delegation offered their thoughts on the Pope’s speech on Thursday.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., candidate for the Republican presidential nomination
“Today’s speech was an inspiring moment, to be there and witness the Pope’s speech before Congress. I was moved by the Pope's message and by the sight of him standing in front of the U.S. flag with the words ‘In God We Trust’ engraved in the wall behind him. The Pope today, reminded us of the faith our nation has placed in God since its very founding, and why we should have a lot of faith in America’s future.
“At a time when so many of our people are gripped with uncertainty about the future, the Pope reminded us that America has a special calling as a nation that is guided by high ideals and the moral aims to build a more perfect union and to make the world a better place. He reminded us that, whatever our policy differences might be, we are all called to put the good of our people above all.”
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC)
"The opportunity to hear directly from Pope Francis during his address to a Joint Meeting of Congress today was a true honor. I believe his messages of social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, and compassion for immigrants and refugees resonate with all Americans regardless of their political stripes or their faith background.
"In particular, I was very moved when he said ‘if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities. The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us.’
"These values are what Democrats fight for day in and day out -- access to the cornerstones of a middle class life for all through quality health care, a solid education, economic mobility, and retirement security.
"I send Pope Francis well wishes and safe travels on his continued journey of hope, compassion, and fairness to New York and Philadelphia, and thank him again for addressing Congress."
U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla.
“Today’s papal address to the American people comes at a time when our nation faces many challenges. Through acts of kindness and devotion to the bettering of our community, we can heed Pope Francis' call to make our country and the world a better place. Our government has a responsibility to its citizens to provide a system where everyone -- especially the least fortunate -- has an opportunity to succeed. By addressing such complex issues as poverty, climate change, immigration reform, and the sanctity of life, Pope Francis is challenging our nation and the world to leave a better community for generations to come.
As a lifelong Catholic I was honored to be in attendance at a truly historic moment in Congress. The bedrock of our country's founding was and remains to this day the unwavering principle of religious freedom. It is my hope that neighbors of all faiths and beliefs take the most important aspects of Pope Francis' speech and use them to elicit positive change in our society.”
U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla.
“Today, Congress and our nation heard from one of the world’s great humanitarians. The Pope’s timely, compassionate message of helping the vulnerable, protecting our planet, and giving opportunities to our youth transcends politics and religion.”
U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla.
“It was an incredible honor to welcome Pope Francis and Bishop Gregory Parkes to Washington. In his address to Congress, the Pope recognized our unique American spirit by speaking of four great Americans who worked for liberty, equality, justice and cooperation. He challenged us to put our differences aside and rise to the challenges we face. I feel blessed by his visit, and hope Congress will heed his message to work together to help those we serve.”
U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla.
“As a Catholic and a member of Congress, it was great to be able to witness the first Pope to ever address a joint meeting of Congress. I feel blessed to have been able to share this experience with my family -- with my wife Tara here today in the House Gallery and with my son Sean yesterday at the White House.
“Pope Francis’ message of love, cooperation and humility is much needed right now in the House of Representatives. He helps to remind us that living a life of service, whether it be for the Church or for the United States, is most rewarding. I am proud as ever to represent the great state of Florida here in Washington, D.C.”
