Editorial: Politics, papacy combine during Pope’s US tour
October 1, 2015
Pope Francis’ first visit to the U.S. this past week resonated deeply in the minds of religious and non-religious Americans alike. As a well-respected example of morality around the world, his presence commands an awe and respect similar to the presence of other world leaders and celebrities.
While the Pope is revered for his dedication to refugees and impoverished people, his acknowledgement of global warming and his acceptance of the LGBTQ community, one must wonder if his status and carefully orchestrated actions are an instrument for the political and social agendas of other world leaders.
Following the Pope’s visit to Washington D.C. and his address to a joint meeting of Congress, John Boehner, who has been Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives since 2011, announced he would be resigning this October. Boehner’s resignation, while it had been discussed and debated by his staff for about a year, was incredibly emotional for the Republican representative, who referenced a powerful moment between himself and the Pope that in-part prompted his decision to step down.
“And then he put his arm around me and pulled me right into him,” Boehner said of his moment alone with the Pope, “and said, ‘Please pray for me.’”
While the moment must seem quite touching for other devote Catholics and supporters of the representative, it also allowed Boehner to save face in a political move that had been predicted by politicians in both parties for some time. Anyone who caught the first showing of the new Daily Show with Trevor Noah would see a room full of conservative Republicans who applauded Senator Marco Rubio’s announcement of Boehner’s resignation.
As speaker he fought to repeal the Affordable Care Act for so long that it led to a government shutdown, and often fought tooth and nail to oppose compromises with the other side of the aisle. This begs the question: was Boehner’s orchestration of the Pope’s visit to Congress a chance to receive a bit of grace following a tumultuous and resented period as speaker?
Not only did Pope Francis make waves in Washington, his call for the abolishment of the death penalty in his address to Congress echoed all the way to Georgia. In an effort to stay the execution of Georgia death row inmate Kelly Gissendaner, the Pope wrote a letter to the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Parolees asking for them to spare her life.
The effort failed, but the Pope touched on a hotly debated topic among political candidates. Overcrowding and high costs in the U.S. prison system has led many candidates to include prison reform on their platforms, but this stance by the Pope to unify the parties could facilitate a resolution across the aisle.
Before he left the U.S., the Vatican confirmed that the Pope met with Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis, thanked her for her courage and encouraged her to stay strong, according to the New York Times. In light of the increased debate among presidential candidates about religious liberties in the workplace, the Pope’s actions endorse the platforms of many Republican candidates and contradict support he has given to the LGBTQ community in the past.
Regardless of Pope Francis’ intentions, he has stirred deep political and social waves in our country that will ripple into the presidential elections in 2016. For a man who favors a humble life, the Pope sure knows how to make an entrance.