Letter: Heartened by Pope Francis’ address to Congress
Although I am a long-term lapsed Catholic, I was heartened to watch Pope Francis as he addressed the U.S. Congress. As I listened, it struck me that he was “taking them to the woodshed” for much of what we can all agree is an overly partisan approach to governance.
He is possibly the only individual on the planet that could point out so forcefully the shortcomings of that body without causing outrage, while using examples from our own historical context to make his point(s).
Pope Francis’ admonitions, however, apply equally to all of us. One of the commentators observed that many of those in attendance were clearly moved by the speech, but wondered how long the message would have an effect on legislative performance.
Until voters embrace the spirit of tolerance, unity, and compassion and demand that their elected representatives get back to governing, there is little chance that the effect will be long-lived.
Larry Oates
Benton City
This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 6:33 PM with the headline "Letter: Heartened by Pope Francis’ address to Congress."