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Pope Francis’ Visit to U.S.
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<h4>
Pope Francis&rsquo; Visit to U.S.</h4>
<p>by Sue Weishar, Ph.D.</p>
<p>After the &ldquo;Summer of Trump,&rdquo; when the immigration debate reached new lows for rancor and resentment, Pope Francis&rsquo; remarks on immigration during his six day visit last month to the U.S. were a welcomed call to compassion and solidarity.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He began his first speech in the United States, held at the White House on Wednesday morning, September 23, by immediately identifying himself with our nation&rsquo;s immigrant past: &ldquo;As the son of an immigrant family I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families,&rdquo; adding that, &ldquo;American Catholics are committed to building a society which is truly tolerant and inclusive, to safeguarding the rights of individuals and communities, and to rejecting every form of unjust discrimination.&rdquo;</p>
<p>During the motorcade on Constitution Avenue following his White House visit the pope was reminded how urgent the need for a just resolution to our nation&rsquo;s immigration crisis is to millions of American families. Seeing a five-year-old girl trying to get his attention, he waved her over. When she was lifted up to receive his kiss, Sophie Cruz handed the pontiff a letter she had written asking him to urge the President and Congress to pass immigration reform so her undocumented parents could remain in the U.S.</p>
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