Photo Credit: Giulio Napolitano
For six remarkable days beginning today, Pope Francis will make his very first papal visit to the United States. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church will visit three cities, tour six cathedrals, speak to hundreds of elected officials and touch thousands upon thousands of lives.
His visit comes at a critical time. While President Obama and Pope Francis share similar views on issues that include criminal justice reform, immigration, climate change and economic equality, they don’t quite see eye to eye on other hotbed issues, such as same-sex marriages and abortion. For Republican and Democrats alike, the pope’s commentary and insight on specific political issues may be hard to hear.
But for millions of American Catholics, the pope is far more than an influential political leader. To them, Francis is a spiritual leader, a moral compass offering direction in these hectic and confusing times. His visit is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and hear and connect with the leader of their church.
The pope’s political agenda includes a visit with President Obama at the White House, an address before Congress and a speech before the General Assembly of the United Nations. Yet the true purpose of his trip is to deliver his message not just to politicians and elected officials, but to members of both his Catholic flock and beyond.
Here’s how Pope Francis’ journey will do just that.
Washington, D.C.
Along with meeting President Obama and addressing the US Congress, Pope Francis will visit with the homeless in our nation’s capital. It hints that he’ll likely address social justice, economic inequality and poverty, issues about which he has already been vocal.
New York City
In addition to evening prayer at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a multi-religious service at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a visit to the United Nations and Mass at Madison Square Garden, Pope Francis will visit Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem. There, he’ll meet with underprivileged children and immigrant families, which suggests he will speak about the global challenge of migration and the challenges faced by those displaced from their homes. It’s a theme he has highlighted before.
Philadelphia
In between meeting with bishops and performing Mass, Pope Francis will visit prisoners at a correctional facility. It’s a hint that he may again discuss the need for reforming the US prison system.
Through these special visits and the number of services he’ll lead in all three cities, Pope Francis will enjoy the opportunity to connect with as many people as possible. As the pope himself explains, when he approaches people, it’s easier for him to understand and help them along life’s path.
Whether Pope Francis’ messages resonate on a political or religious level with his intended audience remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – they will certainly spark discussion.
Join America in faith during this historic week. Send your thoughts, hopes and prayers from the Share A Prayer app for Pope Francis’ visit with #PopeInUS.
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