Pope at US congress, warns against ideological extremism

The world is in turmoil. Wars and crises are dominating the political space in many countries and thousands of people are bearing the brunt. Many of these problems that have caused mysteries to thousands are, however, ideologically-based.

This must have informed the message of the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, when he addressed the US congress on Thursday and warned against ‘ideological extremism’.

The pope also stressed the need to welcome immigrants, saying the world was facing a serious refugee crisis which required the support of everyone.

He was the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of the US Congress, where he received a warm welcome from more than 500 lawmakers, justices and officials.

He was greeted at the US Capitol by Speaker of the House John Boehner, who is Catholic, and then entered the chamber to thunderous applause.

He began his speech by warning of the dangers of “ideological extremism”.

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And he emphasised the importance of welcoming immigrants.

He said the world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since World War Two, and noted that thousands travel north into the US for a better life every year.

“We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation,” he said.

He also stated that the world must be attentive to “fundamentalism, whether religious or of any other kind” and warned against “the simplistic reductionism which sees only good or evil”

He touched on economic inequality saying “even in the developed world, the effects of unjust structure and actions are all too apparent”

And he related the work of lawmakers to that of Moses, saying they had a responsibility to promote unity through “just legislation

Thousands of people have gathered on the West Lawn of the Capitol hoping to see the 78-year-old Argentine pontiff after the speech.

Mr Boehner, a Republican, is a former altar boy who invited the Pope to speak after failing to persuade his two predecessors to do likewise. He has ruled out fears that Francis – who has a reputation for being politically engaged – will stir up controversy.

“The Pope transcends all of this,” Mr Boehner wrote in an online essay. “He appeals to our better angels and brings us back to our daily obligations. The best thing we can all do is listen, open our hearts to his message and reflect on his example.”

Credit: BBC

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