As Pope Francis’ trip to Washington, D.C. has prompted numerous conservatives to lament the pontiff’s call to address climate change, Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) said on Tuesday that he’s sick of hearing about the pope’s take on certain issues.
Inhofe noted the Catholic Church’s position on abortion and questioned the pro-choice Democratic members of congress who have praised the pope’s take on income inequality and climate change.
“A lot of the people who are just rejoicing in the pope taking political positions, most of them are liberal,” he told CQ Roll Call. “And most liberals are going to be advocates of global warming. And yet, when you say to them are you pro-life? No? Are you being selective then?”
The senator, who is known for his skepticism of climate change, told the pope to “stay with his job” when asked about the pontiff’s focus on the environment in June. On Tuesday, he suggested that the media focus on Pope Francis’ views on abortion, not climate.
“Why are you chastising people who disagree with the position he takes, when he has a much stronger, more authentic position on pro-life,” Inhofe told CQ Roll Call. “So it’s kind of pick and choose. That’s one of the strongest positions [Catholics] have.”
Numerous Republican members of Congress have urged the pope to focus on issues like abortion during his visit to the U.S., rather than climate change. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) even threatened to boycott Pope Francis’ speech before Congress.
