On the recordSeptember 18, 2015
In just a matter of days, we will welcome Pope Francis to the Nation's Capital. Pope Francis is the 266th Bishop of Rome, following a line of succession that goes all the way back to St. Peter 2,000 years ago. The sixteenth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew teaches that Jesus told Peter that he would be the rock on whom Jesus would build his church. Now, for the first time in history, Peter's successor will address Congress. Here is an interesting perspective: America remains a young Nation compared to the 2,000-year-old Catholic church. While we have had 44 different Presidents--President Obama is the 45th President because count Grover Cleveland as the 22nd and 24th President--just 16 of the church's 266 popes have governed the church since 1776. The Pope's visit offers all Americans, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, a chance to reflect on the great issues of the day, including the sanctity of life, threats to the family, religious freedom, economic justice, care for the less fortunate, war and peace, and stewardship of the Earth. Pope Francis' visit is an invitation to dialogue, and I look forward to his address. ____________________
