Pope Francis Speaks Before Congress

[tomm2thumbs]

Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress.

1:10:40 Enters chamber (shakes hand with Kerry)

1:13:10 Begins to speak to chamber 'in the Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave'...

2:04:00 Ends delivery and exits


A particularly poignant passage about arms/war profiteering:

From this perspective of dialogue, I would like to recognize the efforts made in recent months to help overcome historic differences linked to painful episodes of the past. It is my duty to build bridges and to help all men and women, in any way possible, to do the same. When countries which have been at odds resume the path of dialogue — a dialogue which may have been interrupted for the most legitimate of reasons — new opportunities open up for all. This has required, and requires, courage and daring, which is not the same as irresponsibility. A good political leader is one who, with the interests of all in mind, seizes the moment in a spirit of openness and pragmatism. A good political leader always opts to initiate processes rather than possessing spaces.

Being at the service of dialogue and peace also means being truly determined to minimize and, in the long term, to end the many armed conflicts throughout our world. Here we have to ask ourselves: Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood. In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade.

Link to full text for those who are unable to hear the video directly.

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/09/pope-francis-speech-to-congress-transcript-text-video-214016

[proverbialwisdom]

1. Stephanie Kirchgaessner: "Here is the full section of text that was omitted from the speech."

http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/sep/24/pope-francis-historic-address-congress-expectations-high-live-coverage#block-56041776e4b012f670e05a82

1h ago11:33

Stephanie Kirchgaessner:

There was a notable omission in the pope’s speech before Congress, reports Stephanie Kirchgaessner.

According to the prepared text, Pope Francis was to issue a powerful commentary on how politicians can be led astray, saying that “If politics must truly be at the service of the human person, it follows that it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance.”

But Francis left out those words, which would have been particularly stinging before a group of lawmakers - Democrats and Republicans alike - who raise hundreds of millions of dollars from corporate interests, particularly banks, to finance their campaigns.

Furthermore, the failure to act on global warming, or finance various social programs that benefit the poor, are often excused for economic reasons. Reasons the pope clearly would not agree with - though he stopped short of making that point today.

Here is the full section of the text that was omitted from the speech.

"Here I think of the political history of the United States, where democracy is deeply rooted in the mind of the American people. All political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” (Declaration of Independence, 4 July 1776). If politics must truly be at the service of the human person, it follows that it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance."

[zebonaut]

2. While the Wingers and Fox Mock; Insult; Disrespect and Denigrate a Humanist

A Humanist even Atheists can support

[ancianita]

3. One of my favorite lines about fighting "enemies."

"We know that in the attempt to be freed of the enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within. To imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place."



Appealing to their "convictions of conscience" is our ongoing work after he goes.