In his address to Congress on Thursday, Pope Francis called on lawmakers to be “courageous” and work to help the poor and the environment.
The pontiff mentioned his recent encyclical on the environment, noting that people must serve the “common good” as well as “the earth.”
“I call for a courageous and responsible effort to redirect our steps, and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity. I am convinced that we can make a difference — I’m sure,” he said, as numerous members of the audience in the House stood to applaud the pope.
“And I have no doubt that the United States – and this Congress – have an important role to play. Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies, aimed at implementing a culture of care and an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature,” he said, citing themes he discussed in his encyclical.
Pope Francis said that the world must harness technology to build a “healthier” progress.
“I am confident that America’s outstanding academic and research institutions can make a vital contribution in the years ahead,” he said.
