Pope Francis to Congress: Act on Issues Including Climate

"In a landmark speech to a Joint Session of Congress Thursday morning, Pope Francis urged U.S. lawmakers to take "courageous actions and strategies" to fight climate change.

"We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all," the Pope said. "I am convinced that we can make a difference and I have no doubt that the United States—and this Congress—have an important role to play."

But in his nearly hour-long speech, Pope Francis spent just a few minutes addressing the environment and climate change. Instead, he made a broader appeal to Americans to work together on many thorny problems, including gun violence, the death penalty and immigration. He was clearly appealing to a deeply divided Congress—and country—to look beyond those divisions and recognize the common good."

Katherine Bagley reports for InsideClimate News  September 24, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Pope's Climate Push Hits Wall in Congress" (Politico)

"Call for 'Courageous Actions' Unlikely To Spur Split Congress" (Greenwire)

"Francis Leaves Lawmakers Starstruck" (The Hill)