Minnesota Political Leaders Soak In Papal Address To Congress
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Washington, D.C. set aside politics for one day to listen to the spiritual leader of 1.2 billion Catholics.
Pope Francis delivered the first papal address in history to a joint session of Congress. It was an address that some thought would be political, including remarks on immigration, religious liberty and climate change.
But Minnesota's delegation said it had a much different feel.
"It was overwhelming," Minnesota Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar said. "I looked at some of my fellow Senators and I thought 'Wow! they're finally overwhelmed by something!'"
Klobuchar was part of a small delegation serving as the Pope's escort, meeting briefly with Pope Francis, who blessed them.
"Just to be that close to him -- people often say that you kind of feel this grace and wisdom. And that was true," she said.
Democratic Representative Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, said the Pope's call for action went beyond religion or politics.
"He didn't mention a piece of legislation or even a policy or even a candidate," Ellison said. "He talked about core values, in my view. And he left it up to us to work those things out."
The Pope's wide-ranging remarks could have been considered political, but Republican Tom Emmer, a Catholic, said they were anything but.
"In between the lines, what I heard was regardless of your political persuasion, America has an important place in the world, and you're going to have to lead," Emmer said.
For Democratic U.S. Senator Al Franken, who is Jewish, the Pope's visit was "a powerful, historic moment."
"The Pope's message was one of tolerance and compassion — he spoke about issues that are important to me, such as immigration, poverty, and economic justice," Franken said.
Klobuchar's Papal visit guest was Timothy Marx, the president of Catholic Charities in Minnesota.
Marx called the emotion in the room "overwhelming" as the Pope stood with lawmakers under the carving "In God We Trust."