Pope Francis Likely To Speak On Immigration Laws While Visiting U.S.

Pope Francis will arrive in the U.S. next month, and it’s likely he will speak on immigration laws while visiting U.S. cities.

According to Roll Call, Pope Francis will address Congress on September 24, and he will travel to Philadelphia’s Independence Mall on September 26 to speak with immigrants and Hispanic families. It is expected Pope Francis will have much to say, as he has been a critic of U.S. immigration policy.

“He’s been clear on our failure to respond appropriately to immigrants and refugees,” Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., explained in an interview. “I don’t think anyone will have any doubt on where the church stands on immigration after the pope visits the United States.”

The Holy Father has been immersed in concern over the wave of poverty-stricken immigrants, especially Central American children, who cross the Mexican border into the U.S. He has called it a “humanitarian emergency.”

Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga previously said Pope Francis would have entered the U.S. through Mexico if he’d have had the time, but time did not permit the statement-making entrance.

Each member of Congress gets two tickets to see the Pope, and people can only guess what other topics he will discuss. Abortion and social injustice are just a few other topics that many expect to hear, but no one can be sure, according to Newsmax.

“While we cannot predict his remarks, we expect he’ll discuss issues that are important to Americans from all walks of life and on both sides of the aisle,” said Boehner spokeswoman Emily Schillinger.

McGovern, one of over 160 Catholics in Congress, hopes Pope Francis will unite Democrats and Republicans on some important matters, or at least make some people think twice about blocking agreements. Perhaps because nearly one third of Congress is Catholic, McGovern hopes the pope will speak about immigration and sway some on-the-fence members.

“It may move some, it may not move others. But I hope it makes those who have been obstructionist feel uncomfortable.”

McGovern is also quick to point out the church’s catechism that “more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood, which he cannot find in his country of origin.”

While it is believed Pope Francis is likely to speak about immigration during his first visit to the U.S., only time will tell. It is for sure that many people will be all ears for whatever Pope Francis has to say.

[Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images News]