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| Pope Francis in New York: priests must 'bear the shame' of sex abuse scandal – as it happened | Pope Francis in New York: priests must 'bear the shame' of sex abuse scandal – as it happened |
| (18 days later) | |
| 1.10am BST | |
| 01:10 | |
| Pope Francis in Congress and New York – as it happened | Pope Francis in Congress and New York – as it happened |
| And that brings our live coverage of the pope’s tour to a close for today. And what a day it was: | And that brings our live coverage of the pope’s tour to a close for today. And what a day it was: |
| Please join us again Friday on the Guardian PopeBlog for day seven of our live coverage. It’s another jam-packed day: the pope will address the United Nations, visit the 9/11 memorial, lead a procession through Central Park and say mass at Madison Square Garden. Join Guardian US tomorrow for more pontifical action on this historic tour. | Please join us again Friday on the Guardian PopeBlog for day seven of our live coverage. It’s another jam-packed day: the pope will address the United Nations, visit the 9/11 memorial, lead a procession through Central Park and say mass at Madison Square Garden. Join Guardian US tomorrow for more pontifical action on this historic tour. |
| Updated | |
| at 1.14am BST | |
| 12.56am BST | |
| 00:56 | |
| Cardinal Timothy Dolan farewells the pope. | Cardinal Timothy Dolan farewells the pope. |
| Characteristically joyful, Cardinal Dolan shows off recently restored cathedral to Pope Francis. Took 3 years and $175 million. #PopeInNY | Characteristically joyful, Cardinal Dolan shows off recently restored cathedral to Pope Francis. Took 3 years and $175 million. #PopeInNY |
| Cardinal Dolan looks absolutely giddy to be introducing the newly restored St. Pat's to #PopeFrancis! :) #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/VfUrpVihAV | Cardinal Dolan looks absolutely giddy to be introducing the newly restored St. Pat's to #PopeFrancis! :) #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/VfUrpVihAV |
| #PopeinNYC, Dolan: Papa Francesco, welcome to St. Pat’s! Once you entered those famous doors on 5th Ave, you became an official New Yorker! | #PopeinNYC, Dolan: Papa Francesco, welcome to St. Pat’s! Once you entered those famous doors on 5th Ave, you became an official New Yorker! |
| .@Pontifex gives a polite smile after @CardinalDolan tells him, in Italian, to come back soon! #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/8f2mAbCwZb | .@Pontifex gives a polite smile after @CardinalDolan tells him, in Italian, to come back soon! #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/8f2mAbCwZb |
| 12.53am BST | |
| 00:53 | |
| Fascinating that, following Pope homily on spiritual worldliness, the intercession readers include v wealthy donors pic.twitter.com/IG4l82hmmr | Fascinating that, following Pope homily on spiritual worldliness, the intercession readers include v wealthy donors pic.twitter.com/IG4l82hmmr |
| 12.44am BST | |
| 00:44 | |
| After that homily, the words of the Magnificat (The Canticle of Mary) will have extra resonance for the hierarchs of the US church: | After that homily, the words of the Magnificat (The Canticle of Mary) will have extra resonance for the hierarchs of the US church: |
| He has shown the strength of his arm,he has scattered the proud in their conceit. | He has shown the strength of his arm,he has scattered the proud in their conceit. |
| He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,and has lifted up the lowly. | He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,and has lifted up the lowly. |
| He has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty. | He has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty. |
| 12.41am BST | |
| 00:41 | |
| .@Pontifex's words to US women religious highly significant -- subject of 2 separate #Vatican investigations in past years. #PopeinNYC | .@Pontifex's words to US women religious highly significant -- subject of 2 separate #Vatican investigations in past years. #PopeinNYC |
| Standing ovation from religious women for #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/8WS3jwQwDm | Standing ovation from religious women for #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/8WS3jwQwDm |
| 12.39am BST | |
| 00:39 | |
| Pope Francis thanks the religious women of the US | Pope Francis thanks the religious women of the US |
| Pope Francis pays a special compliment to the religious sisters of the US: | Pope Francis pays a special compliment to the religious sisters of the US: |
| In a special way I would like to express my gratitude to the religious women of the US. What would the church be without you? Women of strength. Fighters with that spirit of courage which puts you in the front lines, in the proclamation of the gospel. To you religious women, sisters and mothers of this people, I wish to say thank you. A big thank you. And to tell you that I love you very much. | In a special way I would like to express my gratitude to the religious women of the US. What would the church be without you? Women of strength. Fighters with that spirit of courage which puts you in the front lines, in the proclamation of the gospel. To you religious women, sisters and mothers of this people, I wish to say thank you. A big thank you. And to tell you that I love you very much. |
| Francis thanks them again and asks them to be patient in their struggles in a changing pastoral environment. The (Spanish-speaking) nuns leap to their feet in applause. | Francis thanks them again and asks them to be patient in their struggles in a changing pastoral environment. The (Spanish-speaking) nuns leap to their feet in applause. |
| 12.31am BST | |
| 00:31 | |
| More insights from papal biographer Austen Ivereigh. | More insights from papal biographer Austen Ivereigh. |
| Poe at Vespers is powerfully challenging US Church's temptation of cult of success, efficiency, etc. "which govern the business world". | Poe at Vespers is powerfully challenging US Church's temptation of cult of success, efficiency, etc. "which govern the business world". |
| Becomes clear in this Vespers that Evangelii Gaudium pages on spiritual worldliness had US Church (among others) in mind. | Becomes clear in this Vespers that Evangelii Gaudium pages on spiritual worldliness had US Church (among others) in mind. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.32am BST | |
| 12.30am BST | |
| 00:30 | |
| Pope Francis speaks to priests about the privilege of serving God: | Pope Francis speaks to priests about the privilege of serving God: |
| Yet if we are honest, we know how easy this spirit of generous self-sacrifice can be dampened. There are a couple of ways that this can happen. Both are examples of that spiritual worldliness that weakens our commitment to serve and diminishes the wonder of our first encounter with Christ. | Yet if we are honest, we know how easy this spirit of generous self-sacrifice can be dampened. There are a couple of ways that this can happen. Both are examples of that spiritual worldliness that weakens our commitment to serve and diminishes the wonder of our first encounter with Christ. |
| We can get caught up mentioning the value of our apostolic works by the standards of efficiency, good management and outward success which govern the business world. Not that these things are unimportant - we have been entrusted with a great responsibility and God’s people rightly expect accountability from us. | We can get caught up mentioning the value of our apostolic works by the standards of efficiency, good management and outward success which govern the business world. Not that these things are unimportant - we have been entrusted with a great responsibility and God’s people rightly expect accountability from us. |
| But the true worth of our apostolate is measured by the value it has in God’s eyes. To see and evaluate things from God’s perspection calls for constant conversation … and need I say, great humility. | But the true worth of our apostolate is measured by the value it has in God’s eyes. To see and evaluate things from God’s perspection calls for constant conversation … and need I say, great humility. |
| 12.27am BST | |
| 00:27 | |
| Pope Francis praises those who have worked in Catholic education, including St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Saint John Neumann. | Pope Francis praises those who have worked in Catholic education, including St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Saint John Neumann. |
| 12.25am BST | |
| 00:25 | |
| Pope Francis speaks of priests who 'harmed and scandalized' the church | Pope Francis speaks of priests who 'harmed and scandalized' the church |
| This evening my brothers and sisters I have come to join you in prayer. That our vocations will continue to build up the great edifice of God’s Kingdom in this country. I know that as a presbyterate [priesthood] in the midst of God’s people you suffered greatly in the not-distant past by having to bear the shame of some of your brothers who harmed and scandalized the church in the most vulnerable of her members. | This evening my brothers and sisters I have come to join you in prayer. That our vocations will continue to build up the great edifice of God’s Kingdom in this country. I know that as a presbyterate [priesthood] in the midst of God’s people you suffered greatly in the not-distant past by having to bear the shame of some of your brothers who harmed and scandalized the church in the most vulnerable of her members. |
| I know well that you have come forth from the great tribulation. I accompany you at this time of pain and difficulty and I thank God for the faithful service to his people in the hope of helping you to persevere on the path of fidelity to Jesus Christ. | I know well that you have come forth from the great tribulation. I accompany you at this time of pain and difficulty and I thank God for the faithful service to his people in the hope of helping you to persevere on the path of fidelity to Jesus Christ. |
| 12.21am BST | |
| 00:21 | |
| Pope Francis prays for those who died in Mecca during the Hajj stampede | Pope Francis prays for those who died in Mecca during the Hajj stampede |
| I would have wished my greeting to be warmer, my sentiments of closeness. My sentiments of closeness in the face of tragedy. The tragedy that they suffered in Mecca. In this moment I give assurances of my prayers. I unite myself with you all. A prayer to almighty God, all merciful. | I would have wished my greeting to be warmer, my sentiments of closeness. My sentiments of closeness in the face of tragedy. The tragedy that they suffered in Mecca. In this moment I give assurances of my prayers. I unite myself with you all. A prayer to almighty God, all merciful. |
| 12.13am BST | |
| 00:13 | |
| Presented without comment. | Presented without comment. |
| If the pope doesn't fall asleep during this, he's not even human. | If the pope doesn't fall asleep during this, he's not even human. |
| 12.10am BST | |
| 00:10 | |
| Do the liturgies seem over the top for a pope who likes simplicity? #PopeFrancis | Do the liturgies seem over the top for a pope who likes simplicity? #PopeFrancis |
| It’s something I’ve been wondering about since the pope arrived in the US. I think he genuinely enjoyed the music and dance in Cuba, but has often appeared bored and listless during these gargantuan American liturgies. | It’s something I’ve been wondering about since the pope arrived in the US. I think he genuinely enjoyed the music and dance in Cuba, but has often appeared bored and listless during these gargantuan American liturgies. |
| I suspect that the scale of all this is to remind the pope that while his concerns are with the Global South, North America is a centre of Catholicism that has its own gifts (many of them financial). | I suspect that the scale of all this is to remind the pope that while his concerns are with the Global South, North America is a centre of Catholicism that has its own gifts (many of them financial). |
| Updated | |
| at 12.11am BST | |
| 12.07am BST | |
| 00:07 | |
| Tune into the livestream at the top of the liveblog to follow the prayer service. The music and setting are about as sumptuous as you can get. This is high altitude Catholicism. | Tune into the livestream at the top of the liveblog to follow the prayer service. The music and setting are about as sumptuous as you can get. This is high altitude Catholicism. |
| 12.02am BST | |
| 00:02 | |
| Crux reporter Ines San Martin confirms the service will be in English, with Pope Francis’s own remarks in Spanish. This pope is a real polyglot. | Crux reporter Ines San Martin confirms the service will be in English, with Pope Francis’s own remarks in Spanish. This pope is a real polyglot. |
| 12.01am BST | |
| 00:01 | |
| Here he comes. The green vestments aren’t a fashion statement by the pontiff. They indicate that the service occurs during ordinary time, one of the liturgical seasons of the Catholic year. | Here he comes. The green vestments aren’t a fashion statement by the pontiff. They indicate that the service occurs during ordinary time, one of the liturgical seasons of the Catholic year. |
| It seems Pope Francis will conduct this Vespers service in English. | It seems Pope Francis will conduct this Vespers service in English. |
| 11.58pm BST | |
| 23:58 | |
| More photos of the girl blessed by Pope Francis: | More photos of the girl blessed by Pope Francis: |
| A very special moment for this girl ...#PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/DlpZPioNTM | A very special moment for this girl ...#PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/DlpZPioNTM |
| 11.57pm BST | |
| 23:57 | |
| During this tour Pope Francis has made a point of praying before the tabernacle – where the consecrated bread that Catholics believe is the literal body of Christ is stored - prior to conducting services. Here he prays with Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York. | During this tour Pope Francis has made a point of praying before the tabernacle – where the consecrated bread that Catholics believe is the literal body of Christ is stored - prior to conducting services. Here he prays with Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York. |
| 11.52pm BST | |
| 23:52 | |
| The pope blesses a little girl, and she wipes away her tears afterwards. Henry Kissinger is also in the congregation. | The pope blesses a little girl, and she wipes away her tears afterwards. Henry Kissinger is also in the congregation. |
| Pope Francis meets the congregation and is presented with gifts, including a bouquet of flowers and a picture of Our Lady of Guadaloupe. | Pope Francis meets the congregation and is presented with gifts, including a bouquet of flowers and a picture of Our Lady of Guadaloupe. |
| Updated | |
| at 11.53pm BST | |
| 11.50pm BST | |
| 23:50 | |
| Bishops are kissing the pope’s ring as he enters the cathedral, which Cardinal Dolan calls the “parish church of America”. | Bishops are kissing the pope’s ring as he enters the cathedral, which Cardinal Dolan calls the “parish church of America”. |
| He blesses a cross and sprinkles those nearby with holy water while another grand choir sings. | He blesses a cross and sprinkles those nearby with holy water while another grand choir sings. |
| 11.46pm BST | |
| 23:46 | |
| Pope Francis disembarks the popemobile and is met by Mayor Bill de Blasio, Senator Chuck Schumer and others outside St Patrick’s Cathedral. | Pope Francis disembarks the popemobile and is met by Mayor Bill de Blasio, Senator Chuck Schumer and others outside St Patrick’s Cathedral. |
| 11.42pm BST | |
| 23:42 | |
| Everyone’s a celebrity when the pope comes to town. | Everyone’s a celebrity when the pope comes to town. |
| Me Archbishop Wenski prepping for #Catholic Night on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert @colbertlateshow pic.twitter.com/GPDlpLXLdM | Me Archbishop Wenski prepping for #Catholic Night on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert @colbertlateshow pic.twitter.com/GPDlpLXLdM |
| 11.36pm BST | |
| 23:36 | |
| The papal motorcade arrives for the parade. That’s a lot of vehicles. Pope Francis and Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York climb into the popemobile. | The papal motorcade arrives for the parade. That’s a lot of vehicles. Pope Francis and Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York climb into the popemobile. |
| 11.32pm BST | |
| 23:32 | |
| Jessica Glenza | Jessica Glenza |
| Jessica Glenza met Pope Francis on the tarmac earlier: | Jessica Glenza met Pope Francis on the tarmac earlier: |
| Pope Francis disembarked at John F Kennedy airport to a crowd of roughly 200 parishioners from nearby churches, homeless from Catholic shelters, the infirm and children. | Pope Francis disembarked at John F Kennedy airport to a crowd of roughly 200 parishioners from nearby churches, homeless from Catholic shelters, the infirm and children. |
| The first to receive a kiss on the forehead from Pope Francis – far and above what he expected – was Gerard Gubatan, a 27-year-old man with cerebral palsy who was brought to the tarmac by EMTs. | The first to receive a kiss on the forehead from Pope Francis – far and above what he expected – was Gerard Gubatan, a 27-year-old man with cerebral palsy who was brought to the tarmac by EMTs. |
| “I was frozen, he was elated, I was speechless, and all I could do was just grab his hand and kiss it,” said his mother Iluminada Gubatan. | “I was frozen, he was elated, I was speechless, and all I could do was just grab his hand and kiss it,” said his mother Iluminada Gubatan. |
| Gerard is largely mute, but beamed as he was moved away from the crowds on the tarmac after Francis left. Asked how it was, he yelled “Good!” over the roar of helicopter and bus engines. | Gerard is largely mute, but beamed as he was moved away from the crowds on the tarmac after Francis left. Asked how it was, he yelled “Good!” over the roar of helicopter and bus engines. |
| 11.28pm BST | |
| 23:28 | |
| This is cool: a fire boat gives the pope a salute as his helicopter touched down in New York. | This is cool: a fire boat gives the pope a salute as his helicopter touched down in New York. |
| #PopeInNYC and Fire Boat salute pic.twitter.com/l1ad5g0Iri | #PopeInNYC and Fire Boat salute pic.twitter.com/l1ad5g0Iri |
| 11.26pm BST | |
| 23:26 | |
| Clever. | Clever. |
| Dozens of people scoring a potentially great view of the motorcade from H&M #PopeinNY pic.twitter.com/KhH2o85aLx | Dozens of people scoring a potentially great view of the motorcade from H&M #PopeinNY pic.twitter.com/KhH2o85aLx |
| 11.24pm BST | |
| 23:24 | |
| Pope on his way downtown on E 62nd St. "That was awesome." pic.twitter.com/gnPsweOTYw | Pope on his way downtown on E 62nd St. "That was awesome." pic.twitter.com/gnPsweOTYw |
| 11.23pm BST | |
| 23:23 | |
| Inside St Patrick’s, those who have been waiting for hours have just finished praying the Rosary, a traditional Catholic prayer to the Virgin Mary. | Inside St Patrick’s, those who have been waiting for hours have just finished praying the Rosary, a traditional Catholic prayer to the Virgin Mary. |
| #PopeinNYC: While religious men and women, seminarians and priests of NY wait for @pontifex, they pray the rosary. pic.twitter.com/k9WY0FeYGN | #PopeinNYC: While religious men and women, seminarians and priests of NY wait for @pontifex, they pray the rosary. pic.twitter.com/k9WY0FeYGN |
| #PopeinNY: Upon entering @StPatsNYC @pontifex will bless this crucifix. pic.twitter.com/YyagCD5tsn | #PopeinNY: Upon entering @StPatsNYC @pontifex will bless this crucifix. pic.twitter.com/YyagCD5tsn |
| 11.20pm BST | |
| 23:20 | |
| Amanda Holpuch | Amanda Holpuch |
| Amanda Holpuch is on Fifth Avenue talking to fans of the pope: | Amanda Holpuch is on Fifth Avenue talking to fans of the pope: |
| Out of all the popes who’ve been, he’s the best,” said Jennifer Martinez, who had just said goodbye to her mom, one of the few to get a ticket for a seat inside St Patrick’s. | Out of all the popes who’ve been, he’s the best,” said Jennifer Martinez, who had just said goodbye to her mom, one of the few to get a ticket for a seat inside St Patrick’s. |
| Martinez planned to stick around the area with her cousin and each of their children to hopefully get a glimpse of Francis. She’s happy that the pontiff has spoken so strongly about he need for immigration reform. | Martinez planned to stick around the area with her cousin and each of their children to hopefully get a glimpse of Francis. She’s happy that the pontiff has spoken so strongly about he need for immigration reform. |
| “I think his words have validation,” Martinez said. “They help a lot.” | “I think his words have validation,” Martinez said. “They help a lot.” |
| Teresa Skroly is also a fan of Francis’s open communication style. She has met popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, but was still excited to see Francis from Fifth Avenue. | Teresa Skroly is also a fan of Francis’s open communication style. She has met popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, but was still excited to see Francis from Fifth Avenue. |
| “Even though I loved both of them I think he is a breath of fresh air,” she said. | “Even though I loved both of them I think he is a breath of fresh air,” she said. |
| Argentinian ladies singing while waiting for #popeinnyc https://t.co/D164UhIRp6 | Argentinian ladies singing while waiting for #popeinnyc https://t.co/D164UhIRp6 |
| Updated | |
| at 11.21pm BST | |
| 11.17pm BST | |
| 23:17 | |
| The Donald is also keeping an eye out for the pope. | The Donald is also keeping an eye out for the pope. |
| Even the Donald is waiting for the Pope! (from his tower) #PopeFrancis #Trump pic.twitter.com/hhHbS3cpZy | Even the Donald is waiting for the Pope! (from his tower) #PopeFrancis #Trump pic.twitter.com/hhHbS3cpZy |
| 11.15pm BST | |
| 23:15 | |
| The crowds and media anxiously wait for the pope to arrive at St Patrick’s Cathedral. | The crowds and media anxiously wait for the pope to arrive at St Patrick’s Cathedral. |
| The media are gearing up for the arrival of #PopeFrancis. #PopeinNYC #StPatricksCathedral pic.twitter.com/r5tps5HFLE | The media are gearing up for the arrival of #PopeFrancis. #PopeinNYC #StPatricksCathedral pic.twitter.com/r5tps5HFLE |
| It's papal expectation on 5th Avenue as the crowds await the arrival of #PopeFrancis. #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/T36hO3tsbA | It's papal expectation on 5th Avenue as the crowds await the arrival of #PopeFrancis. #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/T36hO3tsbA |
| 11.13pm BST | |
| 23:13 | |
| Here’s some video from earlier: Speaker John Boehner was overcome by emotion earlier today when the pope spoke to thousands on the National Mall in Washington DC. | Here’s some video from earlier: Speaker John Boehner was overcome by emotion earlier today when the pope spoke to thousands on the National Mall in Washington DC. |
| 11.10pm BST | |
| 23:10 | |
| Pope Francis arrives in New York | Pope Francis arrives in New York |
| That was quick. The pope disembarks from the helicopter and piles straight into an identical papal Fiat. Now he’s off to St Patrick’s Cathedral for evening prayer. | That was quick. The pope disembarks from the helicopter and piles straight into an identical papal Fiat. Now he’s off to St Patrick’s Cathedral for evening prayer. |
| Updated | |
| at 11.11pm BST | |
| 10.58pm BST | |
| 22:58 | |
| While we’re waiting for Pope Francis’s armada to touch down in New York, here’s a gallery from Time Magazine of all the popes who have graced their front page, starting with Pius XI in 1924. | While we’re waiting for Pope Francis’s armada to touch down in New York, here’s a gallery from Time Magazine of all the popes who have graced their front page, starting with Pius XI in 1924. |
| 10.56pm BST | |
| 22:56 | |
| I shall call him ... mini-pope. | I shall call him ... mini-pope. |
| A su llegada a NYC el Papa recibió con mucha alegría ¡un mini Francisco! #PapaEnEEUU #PopeInUS #PopeInNYC pic.twitter.com/LGKzR7VrMQ | A su llegada a NYC el Papa recibió con mucha alegría ¡un mini Francisco! #PapaEnEEUU #PopeInUS #PopeInNYC pic.twitter.com/LGKzR7VrMQ |
| 10.52pm BST | |
| 22:52 | |
| Play these two together for that papal air force vibe. | Play these two together for that papal air force vibe. |
| There he goes! #PopeInNY pic.twitter.com/wkzAwJwqsh | There he goes! #PopeInNY pic.twitter.com/wkzAwJwqsh |
| 10.49pm BST | |
| 22:49 | |
| Meanwhile, at the pope’s destination ... (this is actually NY Senator Chuck Schumer, not Mayor De Blasio. It’s not like the Vatican is where the infallible people live or anything). | Meanwhile, at the pope’s destination ... (this is actually NY Senator Chuck Schumer, not Mayor De Blasio. It’s not like the Vatican is where the infallible people live or anything). |
| Mayor de Blasio greeting the crowds at #StPatricksCathedral #PopeinNYC #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/NNhtXnG3EI | Mayor de Blasio greeting the crowds at #StPatricksCathedral #PopeinNYC #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/NNhtXnG3EI |
| Updated | |
| at 10.55pm BST | |
| 10.48pm BST | |
| 22:48 | |
| And he’s off. You can see his whole New York itinerary, and the rest of the tour, here: | And he’s off. You can see his whole New York itinerary, and the rest of the tour, here: |
| Related: Pope Francis in America visit schedule: New York and Philadelphia are next! | Related: Pope Francis in America visit schedule: New York and Philadelphia are next! |
| 10.40pm BST | |
| 22:40 | |
| The pope is hustled into a waiting helicopter by Marines. He’ll fly to a Wall Street helipad, commentators on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops live stream say. | The pope is hustled into a waiting helicopter by Marines. He’ll fly to a Wall Street helipad, commentators on the US Conference of Catholic Bishops live stream say. |
| And there we go folks - Francis just stepped onto a waiting helicopter to take him to St Patrick's pic.twitter.com/rcAEViwuCG | And there we go folks - Francis just stepped onto a waiting helicopter to take him to St Patrick's pic.twitter.com/rcAEViwuCG |
| 10.37pm BST | |
| 22:37 | |
| Pope Francis is going down the rope line! pic.twitter.com/RAtNW0bG6q | Pope Francis is going down the rope line! pic.twitter.com/RAtNW0bG6q |
| 10.36pm BST | |
| 22:36 | |
| He took flowers from 89yo Anna Ambosino who told me she would "faint" if she did just that! | He took flowers from 89yo Anna Ambosino who told me she would "faint" if she did just that! |
| 10.33pm BST | |
| 22:33 | |
| New York, New York! | New York, New York! |
| Welcome #PopeInNY pic.twitter.com/ASqLpqheHy | Welcome #PopeInNY pic.twitter.com/ASqLpqheHy |
| 10.31pm BST | |
| 22:31 | |
| The pope is greeted by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò the Apostolic Nuncio to the US, and – it’s Pope Francis, after all – some schoolchildren. It’s windy out there. | The pope is greeted by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò the Apostolic Nuncio to the US, and – it’s Pope Francis, after all – some schoolchildren. It’s windy out there. |
| Amid chants of “Welcome to New York!” the pope goes to say hello to the families gathered behind the barrier. | Amid chants of “Welcome to New York!” the pope goes to say hello to the families gathered behind the barrier. |
| 10.22pm BST | |
| 22:22 | |
| Bishops on the tarmac, cassocks flapping around all over the place. | Bishops on the tarmac, cassocks flapping around all over the place. |
| And here’s the view from inside Shepherd One: | And here’s the view from inside Shepherd One: |
| landing with #PopeInNY pic.twitter.com/1nIhkxVf8r | landing with #PopeInNY pic.twitter.com/1nIhkxVf8r |
| Recepcion simple, pero con musica a @Pontifex_es #PopeInNY pic.twitter.com/koyuTeM5u7 | Recepcion simple, pero con musica a @Pontifex_es #PopeInNY pic.twitter.com/koyuTeM5u7 |
| Updated | |
| at 10.24pm BST | |
| 10.19pm BST | |
| 22:19 | |
| An American flag and Vatican flag on front of Boeing 777 pic.twitter.com/PndGVwDRDy | An American flag and Vatican flag on front of Boeing 777 pic.twitter.com/PndGVwDRDy |
| 10.16pm BST | |
| 22:16 | |
| .@adambrereton confirms Pope Francis just landed! pic.twitter.com/YZ3ACjmjQt | .@adambrereton confirms Pope Francis just landed! pic.twitter.com/YZ3ACjmjQt |
| 10.12pm BST | |
| 22:12 | |
| Action stations! The pope has touched down in New York at John F Kennedy airport. | Action stations! The pope has touched down in New York at John F Kennedy airport. |
| 10.06pm BST | |
| 22:06 | |
| And here’s some detail on “Shepherd One”, the American Airlines flight Pope Francis has chartered for his US tour. | And here’s some detail on “Shepherd One”, the American Airlines flight Pope Francis has chartered for his US tour. |
| The papal seal will also be affixed to the side of the aircraft, the only major modification that’s planned. However, the flight number will be blocked per a Secret Service request, so the public won’t be able to track its progress. | The papal seal will also be affixed to the side of the aircraft, the only major modification that’s planned. However, the flight number will be blocked per a Secret Service request, so the public won’t be able to track its progress. |
| Read the rest at CNN here. | Read the rest at CNN here. |
| 10.03pm BST | |
| 22:03 | |
| Jessica Glenza | Jessica Glenza |
| The pope should touch down in New York any minute now. Jessica Glenza is on the tarmac for his arrival: | The pope should touch down in New York any minute now. Jessica Glenza is on the tarmac for his arrival: |
| In the crowd is a four-year-old boy who needs a liver transplant, a man with recurring non-Hodgkins lymphoma, sisters and residents of nursing homes – all anxiously awaiting Pope Francis’s arrival. | In the crowd is a four-year-old boy who needs a liver transplant, a man with recurring non-Hodgkins lymphoma, sisters and residents of nursing homes – all anxiously awaiting Pope Francis’s arrival. |
| “I’m overwhelmed, the word is overwhelmed,” said Anna Ambrosino, a “just” 89-year-old nursing home resident from Bay Ridge, Queens. “When sister first told me, my sister, I cried my eyes out.” | “I’m overwhelmed, the word is overwhelmed,” said Anna Ambrosino, a “just” 89-year-old nursing home resident from Bay Ridge, Queens. “When sister first told me, my sister, I cried my eyes out.” |
| Sister Sheila Ann Therese, who works at Little Sisters of the Poor in Queens Village, said she felt the Pope’s speech earlier Thursday to Congress, “was very dynamic.” | Sister Sheila Ann Therese, who works at Little Sisters of the Poor in Queens Village, said she felt the Pope’s speech earlier Thursday to Congress, “was very dynamic.” |
| “He said what needed to be said.” | “He said what needed to be said.” |
| 9.42pm BST | |
| 21:42 | |
| Harriet Sherwood, at St Patrick’s: | Harriet Sherwood, at St Patrick’s: |
| Ticket-holders were being admitted to the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral almost four hours before the pope is due to celebrate mass, with a large contingent of priests and nuns at the head of the queue. | Ticket-holders were being admitted to the beautiful St Patrick’s Cathedral almost four hours before the pope is due to celebrate mass, with a large contingent of priests and nuns at the head of the queue. |
| People had begun lining Fifth Avenue in anticipation of Francis’s arrival. A very large group wearing green t-shirts emblazoned with “Love is our Mission” threaded their way through shoppers on Madison Avenue, heading towards the cathedral. | People had begun lining Fifth Avenue in anticipation of Francis’s arrival. A very large group wearing green t-shirts emblazoned with “Love is our Mission” threaded their way through shoppers on Madison Avenue, heading towards the cathedral. |
| There were quite a few raised voices from non-Pope watchers, irritated to find roads blocked. They may as well get used to it: the pope’s visit only lasts around 40 hours but this bit of New York is facing days of gridlock as world leaders descend for the United Nations general assembly. | There were quite a few raised voices from non-Pope watchers, irritated to find roads blocked. They may as well get used to it: the pope’s visit only lasts around 40 hours but this bit of New York is facing days of gridlock as world leaders descend for the United Nations general assembly. |
| 5th Ave and 47th St in NYC - people enjoying empty street; mostly closed off for Pope motorcade arriving in an hour pic.twitter.com/v6mnb8PTSl | 5th Ave and 47th St in NYC - people enjoying empty street; mostly closed off for Pope motorcade arriving in an hour pic.twitter.com/v6mnb8PTSl |
| 9.40pm BST | |
| 21:40 | |
| There are some fantastic gifs coming out of this trip. What a gift to the world. | There are some fantastic gifs coming out of this trip. What a gift to the world. |
| Time for @Pontifex to make his way to New York. Thank you Washington for all your warmth! #PopeInDC ✈ #PopeInNYC pic.twitter.com/q8oPhLIN29 | Time for @Pontifex to make his way to New York. Thank you Washington for all your warmth! #PopeInDC ✈ #PopeInNYC pic.twitter.com/q8oPhLIN29 |
| 9.37pm BST | |
| 21:37 | |
| The Guardian’s “loose canon” Giles Fraser has written for Comment is Free about Pope Francis’s citation of Dorothy Day and his stance on abortion. | The Guardian’s “loose canon” Giles Fraser has written for Comment is Free about Pope Francis’s citation of Dorothy Day and his stance on abortion. |
| That the pope would celebrate her in Congress is an exciting moment for leftwing Christians. Fraser notes that it’s hard for the secular left to understand Francis entirely. His piece is well worth reading: | That the pope would celebrate her in Congress is an exciting moment for leftwing Christians. Fraser notes that it’s hard for the secular left to understand Francis entirely. His piece is well worth reading: |
| Related: For the red pope, being pro-life is more social justice than abortion | Giles Fraser: Loose canon | Related: For the red pope, being pro-life is more social justice than abortion | Giles Fraser: Loose canon |
| Updated | |
| at 9.38pm BST | |
| 9.28pm BST | |
| 21:28 | |
| And from my colleagues Harriet Sherwood and Ed Pilkington: while Francis made no specific mention of Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump, his brand of xenophobia is squarely in the pope’s crosshairs. | And from my colleagues Harriet Sherwood and Ed Pilkington: while Francis made no specific mention of Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump, his brand of xenophobia is squarely in the pope’s crosshairs. |
| Related: 'We were once foreigners': pope attacks Trump brand of migrant demonization | Related: 'We were once foreigners': pope attacks Trump brand of migrant demonization |
| Updated | |
| at 9.31pm BST | |
| 9.25pm BST | |
| 21:25 | |
| Check out this excellent Guardian interactive to compare statements on immigration from Pope Francis and Donald Trump: | Check out this excellent Guardian interactive to compare statements on immigration from Pope Francis and Donald Trump: |
| Related: Donald Trump, Pope Francis, and the war of words over US immigration | Related: Donald Trump, Pope Francis, and the war of words over US immigration |
| 9.21pm BST | |
| 21:21 | |
| Pope Francis departs Washington DC en route to New York. | Pope Francis departs Washington DC en route to New York. |
| 9.17pm BST | |
| 21:17 | |
| From our Rome correspondent Stephanie Kirchgaessner: | From our Rome correspondent Stephanie Kirchgaessner: |
| So @pontifex is being blamed for the fact that the defund Planned Parenthood bill did not pass. https://t.co/ay4vLU8Xjp | So @pontifex is being blamed for the fact that the defund Planned Parenthood bill did not pass. https://t.co/ay4vLU8Xjp |
| 9.16pm BST | |
| 21:16 | |
| Fox news analyst Tamara Holder with a short video of the NYC security. | Fox news analyst Tamara Holder with a short video of the NYC security. |
| 9.13pm BST | |
| 21:13 | |
| Guardian religion correspondent Harriet Sherwood checks in: | Guardian religion correspondent Harriet Sherwood checks in: |
| There’s a massive police presence around the house in which Pope Francis is staying for the next two nights, with road closures for at least two blocks on either side. | There’s a massive police presence around the house in which Pope Francis is staying for the next two nights, with road closures for at least two blocks on either side. |
| It’s a handsome five-storey building, owned by the Holy See, and is the residence of Archbishop Bernadito Auza, the Vatican’s observer at the United Nations. | It’s a handsome five-storey building, owned by the Holy See, and is the residence of Archbishop Bernadito Auza, the Vatican’s observer at the United Nations. |
| It’s huge – around 11,000 square feet, and containing a private chapel – with an estimated value of more than $20m. | It’s huge – around 11,000 square feet, and containing a private chapel – with an estimated value of more than $20m. |
| Shops and restaurants in the surrounding streets have seen a sharp drop in business as a result of the closures. In Rosi, an Italian restaurant close to the papal residence, there was just a handful of diners at lunchtime. | Shops and restaurants in the surrounding streets have seen a sharp drop in business as a result of the closures. In Rosi, an Italian restaurant close to the papal residence, there was just a handful of diners at lunchtime. |
| “Take-outs are up,” said Ben Lewis from behind the counter, because of the heavy police presence. “But sit-downs are way lower than usual.” | “Take-outs are up,” said Ben Lewis from behind the counter, because of the heavy police presence. “But sit-downs are way lower than usual.” |
| Describing himself as “not a Catholic but a Christian”, Lewis said he was very happy to see the pope in town. “He brings people together in unity.” | Describing himself as “not a Catholic but a Christian”, Lewis said he was very happy to see the pope in town. “He brings people together in unity.” |
| 9.09pm BST | |
| 21:09 | |
| Pope Francis isn’t far away. When he arrives, he’ll head to St Patrick’s Cathedral for evening prayer. The cathedral was being restored even a few days ago – when I visited on Sunday there was plenty of drilling and painting still going on. | Pope Francis isn’t far away. When he arrives, he’ll head to St Patrick’s Cathedral for evening prayer. The cathedral was being restored even a few days ago – when I visited on Sunday there was plenty of drilling and painting still going on. |
| Now it’s free from scaffolding after its three-year, $177m restoration. | Now it’s free from scaffolding after its three-year, $177m restoration. |
| Read more about the restoration here. | Read more about the restoration here. |
| With Angela Bruno in NYC. | With Angela Bruno in NYC. |
| 9.03pm BST | |
| 21:03 | |
| New York doesn’t need Francis when it already has Pope Francesca, according to one bloke on Twitter: | New York doesn’t need Francis when it already has Pope Francesca, according to one bloke on Twitter: |
| Someone needs to tell #PopeFrancis that there is already a Pope in #NYC and his name is Mike Francesa. #MongoNation | Someone needs to tell #PopeFrancis that there is already a Pope in #NYC and his name is Mike Francesa. #MongoNation |
| pic.twitter.com/wk0owcNUWz | pic.twitter.com/wk0owcNUWz |
| Updated | |
| at 9.04pm BST | |
| 8.57pm BST | |
| 20:57 | |
| Writing for Comment is Free, Julio Ricardo Varela says Pope Francis’s visit has been a welcome change for US Latinos feeling beaten down by recent bouts of xenophobia: | Writing for Comment is Free, Julio Ricardo Varela says Pope Francis’s visit has been a welcome change for US Latinos feeling beaten down by recent bouts of xenophobia: |
| Related: For US Latinos Pope Francis's visit could not have come at a better time | Julio Ricardo Varela | Related: For US Latinos Pope Francis's visit could not have come at a better time | Julio Ricardo Varela |
| 8.48pm BST | |
| 20:48 | |
| From Angela Bruno: | From Angela Bruno: |
| Kim Kardashian’s “The pope is dope” tweet, or tuit as it’s spelled in Spanish, caught the attention of a reporter at Primicias Ya, an Argentinian entertainment news site. | Kim Kardashian’s “The pope is dope” tweet, or tuit as it’s spelled in Spanish, caught the attention of a reporter at Primicias Ya, an Argentinian entertainment news site. |
| The pope is dope | The pope is dope |
| Unfortunately, and hilariously, the true meaning was lost in translation for the reporter who seems to only be familiar with dope’s other meaning. | Unfortunately, and hilariously, the true meaning was lost in translation for the reporter who seems to only be familiar with dope’s other meaning. |
| He translates the tweet as: “THE POPE IS DRUGS,” accusing Kim of attacking the Pope. | He translates the tweet as: “THE POPE IS DRUGS,” accusing Kim of attacking the Pope. |
| Pondering the hidden meaning of her “curious” tweet, the writer concludes by asking readers: | Pondering the hidden meaning of her “curious” tweet, the writer concludes by asking readers: |
| What could Kim be referring to? Without a doubt, this couldn’t be positive. How do you interpret her message? | What could Kim be referring to? Without a doubt, this couldn’t be positive. How do you interpret her message? |
| Luckily, there is no byline on the story, and commenters on the post have been quick to share dope’s more positive connotations with the writer. | Luckily, there is no byline on the story, and commenters on the post have been quick to share dope’s more positive connotations with the writer. |
| Read the full piece, in Spanish, here. | Read the full piece, in Spanish, here. |
| ¿Kim Kardashian atacó al Papa Francisco? ---->>> http://t.co/3HHm1samoj pic.twitter.com/Bn93mkVBqQ | ¿Kim Kardashian atacó al Papa Francisco? ---->>> http://t.co/3HHm1samoj pic.twitter.com/Bn93mkVBqQ |
| Updated | |
| at 8.50pm BST | |
| 8.44pm BST | |
| 20:44 | |
| 'Catholics for Jeb!' politely distance themselves from pope | 'Catholics for Jeb!' politely distance themselves from pope |
| Jim Nicholson, former ambassador to the Holy See, is now working for Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush’s campaign. He has issued a statement on the pope’s address. | Jim Nicholson, former ambassador to the Holy See, is now working for Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush’s campaign. He has issued a statement on the pope’s address. |
| Nicholson was Republican National Committee chairman between 1997-2001 and was recently announced as a co-chair of “Catholics for Jeb”. His statement very politely disagrees with the pontiff: | Nicholson was Republican National Committee chairman between 1997-2001 and was recently announced as a co-chair of “Catholics for Jeb”. His statement very politely disagrees with the pontiff: |
| When the Holy Father has the chance to visit Philadelphia and New York, I hope he will continue to see first-hand how a free people living in a market-based economy have produced the most good for the most people in the history of the world. Our country and our people are not perfect, but this American experiment of a government of the people, by the people and for the people serves as a beacon for freedom throughout the world. | When the Holy Father has the chance to visit Philadelphia and New York, I hope he will continue to see first-hand how a free people living in a market-based economy have produced the most good for the most people in the history of the world. Our country and our people are not perfect, but this American experiment of a government of the people, by the people and for the people serves as a beacon for freedom throughout the world. |
| During his time in D.C., the Pope did not hesitate to urge Americans to be proper stewards of God’s creation. We can disagree about some of the particulars, but we cannot deny the need to be responsible in this regard. | During his time in D.C., the Pope did not hesitate to urge Americans to be proper stewards of God’s creation. We can disagree about some of the particulars, but we cannot deny the need to be responsible in this regard. |
| Hopefully Pope Francis will include a message about our obligation to protect the rights of the unborn and the importance of traditional families when he participates in the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. The innocent unborn and young children need his unequivocal embrace more now than ever. | Hopefully Pope Francis will include a message about our obligation to protect the rights of the unborn and the importance of traditional families when he participates in the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. The innocent unborn and young children need his unequivocal embrace more now than ever. |
| 8.29pm BST | |
| 20:29 | |
| Rep Luis V Gutiérrez (D-IL) has put out a statement on the pope. There were some strong lines in there, especially on immigration and Donald Trump: | Rep Luis V Gutiérrez (D-IL) has put out a statement on the pope. There were some strong lines in there, especially on immigration and Donald Trump: |
| I try to push back on Donald Trump and others who attack Latinos and immigrants or women or Muslims or the poor – sometimes on the floor of the House. But I cannot speak as simply and as powerfully as the Pope can. | I try to push back on Donald Trump and others who attack Latinos and immigrants or women or Muslims or the poor – sometimes on the floor of the House. But I cannot speak as simply and as powerfully as the Pope can. |
| Today, someone stood up for the people in my community and the message will definitely sink in. I think every Member of Congress will have to think twice before calling all immigrants drug mules or denying climate change or cutting help for working families or labeling children seeking asylum as criminals. | Today, someone stood up for the people in my community and the message will definitely sink in. I think every Member of Congress will have to think twice before calling all immigrants drug mules or denying climate change or cutting help for working families or labeling children seeking asylum as criminals. |
| If Congress had a daily reminder of the Golden Rule, this would be a better country. | If Congress had a daily reminder of the Golden Rule, this would be a better country. |
| 8.13pm BST | |
| 20:13 | |
| Jessica Glenza | Jessica Glenza |
| From Jessica Glenzer at JFK airport in New York: | From Jessica Glenzer at JFK airport in New York: |
| A mother and daughter from the Bronx attempted to see Pope Francis without tickets to today’s events, and made it as far as the Port Authority administration building before they were turned away by diocesan security. The pair took the Air Train to John F Kennedy airport in an attempt to do so. | A mother and daughter from the Bronx attempted to see Pope Francis without tickets to today’s events, and made it as far as the Port Authority administration building before they were turned away by diocesan security. The pair took the Air Train to John F Kennedy airport in an attempt to do so. |
| Monsignor Kieren Herrington said he would attempt to have the pair attend another papal event. | Monsignor Kieren Herrington said he would attempt to have the pair attend another papal event. |
| 8.12pm BST | |
| 20:12 | |
| Adam Brereton | Adam Brereton |
| The conservative Catholic reaction to Pope Francis’s speech to Congress has been mixed and quite critical. They have a few main problems: | The conservative Catholic reaction to Pope Francis’s speech to Congress has been mixed and quite critical. They have a few main problems: |
| American pro-lifers, nourished by John Paul II and Benedict XVI, have been COMPLETELY and OFFICIALLY abandoned by the Holy See. | American pro-lifers, nourished by John Paul II and Benedict XVI, have been COMPLETELY and OFFICIALLY abandoned by the Holy See. |
| I won’t deal with all these here. It’s worth mentioning though that, on the family, the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia is already producing some big statements of which the pope will be aware. | I won’t deal with all these here. It’s worth mentioning though that, on the family, the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia is already producing some big statements of which the pope will be aware. |
| It’s attracting very little interest outside Catholic media but figures who would be considered superstars in the Catholic world have spoken very strongly for a totally orthodox view of the family at the Philly conference. | It’s attracting very little interest outside Catholic media but figures who would be considered superstars in the Catholic world have spoken very strongly for a totally orthodox view of the family at the Philly conference. |
| Cardinal Robert Sarah, from Guinea, gave a keynote speech yesterday that was unequivocal: | Cardinal Robert Sarah, from Guinea, gave a keynote speech yesterday that was unequivocal: |
| “Even members of the Church can be tempted to soften Christ’s teaching on marriage and the family,” he said. | “Even members of the Church can be tempted to soften Christ’s teaching on marriage and the family,” he said. |
| “To varying degrees, the idea would consist in placing the Magisterium [the teachings of Christ and the church] in a pretty box and separating it from pastoral practice, which could evolve according to such circumstances, fashions and emphases.” | “To varying degrees, the idea would consist in placing the Magisterium [the teachings of Christ and the church] in a pretty box and separating it from pastoral practice, which could evolve according to such circumstances, fashions and emphases.” |
| This was “a form of heresy” and “a dangerous, schizophrenic pathology” and was, Sarah said, “precisely why we need Christ”. | This was “a form of heresy” and “a dangerous, schizophrenic pathology” and was, Sarah said, “precisely why we need Christ”. |
| It’s difficult to gauge the reception of Sarah’s keynote, but the Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, tweeted this: | It’s difficult to gauge the reception of Sarah’s keynote, but the Archbishop of Sydney, Anthony Fisher, tweeted this: |
| Just as in the days of Sts Augustine & Athanasius we rely on the African bishops to help us steer an orthodox course in these times #WMF2015 | Just as in the days of Sts Augustine & Athanasius we rely on the African bishops to help us steer an orthodox course in these times #WMF2015 |
| So I’d speculate that Francis is reticent to speak strongly around family issues because, while on the surface the church seems rock solid in its teachings, underneath things are much more febrile. | So I’d speculate that Francis is reticent to speak strongly around family issues because, while on the surface the church seems rock solid in its teachings, underneath things are much more febrile. |
| He will not want to seem to be at odds with senior members of his own Curia any more than he already is. | He will not want to seem to be at odds with senior members of his own Curia any more than he already is. |
| Some further detail: Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, the prefect of the powerful Congregation for the Doctine of the Faith (once upon a time the Inquisition) launched a translation of Sarah’s new book earlier this month. | Some further detail: Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, the prefect of the powerful Congregation for the Doctine of the Faith (once upon a time the Inquisition) launched a translation of Sarah’s new book earlier this month. |
| Sarah is the prefect for the Congregation for Divine Worship. Between the two of them, they wield an enormous amount of influence. Mueller had this to say at the launch: | Sarah is the prefect for the Congregation for Divine Worship. Between the two of them, they wield an enormous amount of influence. Mueller had this to say at the launch: |
| It is, in the eyes of Cardinal Sarah, destructive for the Church when she exposes herself to the political and social media struggle for power ... When man in his bodily, spiritual, and intellectual being is merely the product of an ideological construct ... any morality will thereby be deprived of a foundation. | It is, in the eyes of Cardinal Sarah, destructive for the Church when she exposes herself to the political and social media struggle for power ... When man in his bodily, spiritual, and intellectual being is merely the product of an ideological construct ... any morality will thereby be deprived of a foundation. |
| It’s hard not to see this as a criticism of Pope Francis, who is at home on social media, giving interviews to the press, and has involved himself to varying degrees in political struggles over Cuba, Colombia and climate change, among others. | It’s hard not to see this as a criticism of Pope Francis, who is at home on social media, giving interviews to the press, and has involved himself to varying degrees in political struggles over Cuba, Colombia and climate change, among others. |
| Mueller also warned of a new schism in his speech. Francis will be treading carefully when he gets to Philly at the end of the week. | Mueller also warned of a new schism in his speech. Francis will be treading carefully when he gets to Philly at the end of the week. |
| Updated | |
| at 8.26pm BST | |
| 7.41pm BST | |
| 19:41 | |
| The only endorsement the pope needs. | The only endorsement the pope needs. |
| The pope is dope | The pope is dope |
| 7.40pm BST | |
| 19:40 | |
| Donald Trump spoke to CNN about the speech to congress just now. While he respects the pope, Trump’s not on board with Francis’s stances on climate change or migration, as you might imagine. | Donald Trump spoke to CNN about the speech to congress just now. While he respects the pope, Trump’s not on board with Francis’s stances on climate change or migration, as you might imagine. |
| Trump reiterated that he would build a wall along the US border with a “big open gate” for migrants to enter legally. His policy on deportations: whole family groups, and “the bad ones go and never come back”. | Trump reiterated that he would build a wall along the US border with a “big open gate” for migrants to enter legally. His policy on deportations: whole family groups, and “the bad ones go and never come back”. |
| He still doesn’t think climate change is real, he told CNN, adding “I’ve won many environmental awards”. | He still doesn’t think climate change is real, he told CNN, adding “I’ve won many environmental awards”. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.00pm BST | |
| 7.25pm BST | |
| 19:25 | |
| More politicians crying during the pope’s speech to Congress, via Vanity Fair: | More politicians crying during the pope’s speech to Congress, via Vanity Fair: |
| marco rubio crying pic.twitter.com/eDN3xpi0PP | marco rubio crying pic.twitter.com/eDN3xpi0PP |
| 7.20pm BST | |
| 19:20 | |
| Here’s a short clip of Pope Francis blessing the crowd at the National Mall in Washington DC. When he cuts into English at the end to say “God Bless America” the smile on his face is very infectious. | Here’s a short clip of Pope Francis blessing the crowd at the National Mall in Washington DC. When he cuts into English at the end to say “God Bless America” the smile on his face is very infectious. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.21pm BST | |
| 7.19pm BST | |
| 19:19 | |
| Another endorsement, this time from Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton: | Another endorsement, this time from Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton: |
| Thank you, @Pontifex. We have much to do to care for our planet, strengthen economic opportunity, and defend the rights & dignity of all. -H | Thank you, @Pontifex. We have much to do to care for our planet, strengthen economic opportunity, and defend the rights & dignity of all. -H |
| Updated | |
| at 7.36pm BST | |
| 7.16pm BST | |
| 19:16 | |
| Amanda Holpuch is waiting with anxious Pope Francis Fans on New York’s Fifth Avenue: | Amanda Holpuch is waiting with anxious Pope Francis Fans on New York’s Fifth Avenue: |
| Hundreds of people have already lined-up on New York’s Fifth Avenue, outside St Patrick’s Cathedral. After passing through an intensive screening process, ticket holders are let inside an area with a fence around 8-feet-tall. | Hundreds of people have already lined-up on New York’s Fifth Avenue, outside St Patrick’s Cathedral. After passing through an intensive screening process, ticket holders are let inside an area with a fence around 8-feet-tall. |
| Dexis Almomte arrived at 8am to ensure she got a good view of the procession. Security told her she was early so she came back at noon and managed to get a prime position directly across from the Cathedral. | Dexis Almomte arrived at 8am to ensure she got a good view of the procession. Security told her she was early so she came back at noon and managed to get a prime position directly across from the Cathedral. |
| “People camp out early for a new phone, so I was ready to for the Pope,” said Almomte, who teaches Catechism in Brooklyn. | “People camp out early for a new phone, so I was ready to for the Pope,” said Almomte, who teaches Catechism in Brooklyn. |
| Maria Dasilva came from central New Jersey with her mother, godmother and cousin. While waiting to go through security, she explained that she became a fan of Pope Francis when he stepped out on the Vatican balcony for the first time after being chosen as Pope and asked Catholics to pray for him. | Maria Dasilva came from central New Jersey with her mother, godmother and cousin. While waiting to go through security, she explained that she became a fan of Pope Francis when he stepped out on the Vatican balcony for the first time after being chosen as Pope and asked Catholics to pray for him. |
| “I’m expecting a glimpse, I’d love that. I’m getting goosebumps just telling you,” said Dasilva (pictured below second from the left, wearing sunglasses). | “I’m expecting a glimpse, I’d love that. I’m getting goosebumps just telling you,” said Dasilva (pictured below second from the left, wearing sunglasses). |
| Family on 5th ave: "I'm expecting a glimpse - I'd love that - I'm getting goosebumps just telling you" #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/tuXVoHI2BP | Family on 5th ave: "I'm expecting a glimpse - I'd love that - I'm getting goosebumps just telling you" #PopeinNYC pic.twitter.com/tuXVoHI2BP |
| 7.12pm BST | |
| 19:12 | |
| My colleague Lauren Gambino reported yesterday on Sophie Cruz, the 5-year-old girl who hand delivered Pope Francis a letter urging immigration reform. | My colleague Lauren Gambino reported yesterday on Sophie Cruz, the 5-year-old girl who hand delivered Pope Francis a letter urging immigration reform. |
| Today she met Democrat Representative Tony Cárdenas after the pope’s address to Congress: | Today she met Democrat Representative Tony Cárdenas after the pope’s address to Congress: |
| Its been a long day for #SophieCruz but I am so honored she stopped by my office after watching #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/S9SQCq20hQ | Its been a long day for #SophieCruz but I am so honored she stopped by my office after watching #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/S9SQCq20hQ |
| We got #SophieCruz a brownie and she seems happier. Plus... pic.twitter.com/B8Ey34bppS | We got #SophieCruz a brownie and she seems happier. Plus... pic.twitter.com/B8Ey34bppS |
| #SophieCruz autographed a copy of the letter she delivered to #PopeInDC. Thank you so much Sophie! pic.twitter.com/JZg6zKIiUO | #SophieCruz autographed a copy of the letter she delivered to #PopeInDC. Thank you so much Sophie! pic.twitter.com/JZg6zKIiUO |
| Updated | |
| at 7.12pm BST | |
| 7.06pm BST | |
| 19:06 | |
| Kerry Washington, who plays Olivia Pope on Scandal, has spoken of her admiration for the pope: | Kerry Washington, who plays Olivia Pope on Scandal, has spoken of her admiration for the pope: |
| “I think he’s so special. I think he’s so humble and so focused on service – just really focused on doing good in the world. Not being judgmental. Letting God be the judge,” she told Live! with Kelly and Michael. | “I think he’s so special. I think he’s so humble and so focused on service – just really focused on doing good in the world. Not being judgmental. Letting God be the judge,” she told Live! with Kelly and Michael. |
| via Vanity Fair. | via Vanity Fair. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.07pm BST | |
| 7.00pm BST | |
| 19:00 | |
| Speaker John Boehner gets emotional. | Speaker John Boehner gets emotional. |
| Wonderful. https://t.co/i4hJAK0oN2 | Wonderful. https://t.co/i4hJAK0oN2 |
| 6.44pm BST | |
| 18:44 | |
| White House spokesman Josh Earnest has told reporters President Obama managed to see “at least part of Pope Francis’s remarks to Congress” but was unaware of his “specific reaction” to the speech. | White House spokesman Josh Earnest has told reporters President Obama managed to see “at least part of Pope Francis’s remarks to Congress” but was unaware of his “specific reaction” to the speech. |
| “I know that he would have been struck by the kind of message that Francis had to deliver not just to the leaders of this country but to the citizens of this country,” Earnest said, praising Francis’s call for Americans to meet “the high standard that we’ve set for ourselves”. | “I know that he would have been struck by the kind of message that Francis had to deliver not just to the leaders of this country but to the citizens of this country,” Earnest said, praising Francis’s call for Americans to meet “the high standard that we’ve set for ourselves”. |
| He also downplayed worries that the pope’s visit has overshadowed the visit of Chinese president Xi Jinping. | He also downplayed worries that the pope’s visit has overshadowed the visit of Chinese president Xi Jinping. |
| “I have not heard anyone raise that concern. I think the sense is that this is a week that we have long identified as being one filled with a lot of intensive diplomacy,” Earnest said. | “I have not heard anyone raise that concern. I think the sense is that this is a week that we have long identified as being one filled with a lot of intensive diplomacy,” Earnest said. |
| “In each of those meetings the president will be considering how the US can continue to use our international influence to advance our interests around the globe ... even on those issues that might be characterized by what you could describe as ‘competition’.” | “In each of those meetings the president will be considering how the US can continue to use our international influence to advance our interests around the globe ... even on those issues that might be characterized by what you could describe as ‘competition’.” |
| Updated | |
| at 6.45pm BST | |
| 6.35pm BST | |
| 18:35 | |
| Top Vaticanista John L Allen Jr has posted on Crux about the pope’s “Fantastic Four” – Abraham Lincoln, Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton and Martin Luther King Jr. | Top Vaticanista John L Allen Jr has posted on Crux about the pope’s “Fantastic Four” – Abraham Lincoln, Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton and Martin Luther King Jr. |
| He’s always worth reading. Here’s the highlights: | He’s always worth reading. Here’s the highlights: |
| Poverty and War: | Poverty and War: |
| The emphasis on Day and Merton confirms that in the galaxy of issues of concern to this pope ... poverty and war have a pride of place. | The emphasis on Day and Merton confirms that in the galaxy of issues of concern to this pope ... poverty and war have a pride of place. |
| For Day, it was the dignity of the poor, expressed most famously in founding the Catholic Worker Movement along with Peter Maurin. For Merton, it was peace, with his letters and diaries chronicling his deep concern with violence, including the Vietnam War and the proliferation of nuclear arms. | For Day, it was the dignity of the poor, expressed most famously in founding the Catholic Worker Movement along with Peter Maurin. For Merton, it was peace, with his letters and diaries chronicling his deep concern with violence, including the Vietnam War and the proliferation of nuclear arms. |
| Political Instincts: | Political Instincts: |
| In the run-up to his visit to the United States, there has been a lot of talk about whether or not Francis is in some sense “anti-American,” or whether his vision is irreconcilable with American values. | In the run-up to his visit to the United States, there has been a lot of talk about whether or not Francis is in some sense “anti-American,” or whether his vision is irreconcilable with American values. |
| This morning, Francis indirectly answered the question of whether he’s anti-American by saying, in essence, “Well, if I am, so are these four American heroes.” | This morning, Francis indirectly answered the question of whether he’s anti-American by saying, in essence, “Well, if I am, so are these four American heroes.” |
| Canonization for Dorothy Day? | Canonization for Dorothy Day? |
| This morning’s speech was probably good news for the canonization cause of Dorothy Day ... While there’s no indication that Francis plans to fast-track the cause, it certainly can’t hurt that he used the first-ever address by a pope to the US Congress to give her a plug. | This morning’s speech was probably good news for the canonization cause of Dorothy Day ... While there’s no indication that Francis plans to fast-track the cause, it certainly can’t hurt that he used the first-ever address by a pope to the US Congress to give her a plug. |
| Francis wants to learn from the US: | Francis wants to learn from the US: |
| Francis could have directed the gaze of Congress to great figures from his own cultural experience, such as Simòn Bolivar or, or any number of popes. Instead he chose Americans, which was a way of saying that he realizes he doesn’t just have something to teach the United States – he, and the rest of the world, can learn from it as well. | Francis could have directed the gaze of Congress to great figures from his own cultural experience, such as Simòn Bolivar or, or any number of popes. Instead he chose Americans, which was a way of saying that he realizes he doesn’t just have something to teach the United States – he, and the rest of the world, can learn from it as well. |
| Updated | |
| at 6.35pm BST | |
| 6.20pm BST | |
| 18:20 | |
| Jessica Glenza | Jessica Glenza |
| Pope Francis is still hours away from New York, but Jessica Glenza is on site at JFK airport with those waiting for the pontiff to arrive: | Pope Francis is still hours away from New York, but Jessica Glenza is on site at JFK airport with those waiting for the pontiff to arrive: |
| A group of five students from Brooklyn and Queens Catholic schools will hand Pope Francis a “spiritual bouquet” upon his arrival at John F Kennedy airport in New York City in a chartered American Airlines Boeing 777, at “about” 5pm. | A group of five students from Brooklyn and Queens Catholic schools will hand Pope Francis a “spiritual bouquet” upon his arrival at John F Kennedy airport in New York City in a chartered American Airlines Boeing 777, at “about” 5pm. |
| The others expected to greet the pope make his arrival a relatively small affair – just 200 members of Catholic churches and other services from around the city are invited, along with a band from Xaverian high school in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and a mass of a few dozen reporters. | The others expected to greet the pope make his arrival a relatively small affair – just 200 members of Catholic churches and other services from around the city are invited, along with a band from Xaverian high school in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and a mass of a few dozen reporters. |
| Members of the group of 200 will include parishioners, some of the 26 ethnic groups that makeup congregations in Brooklyn, nursing home residents and homeless people living in religious housing. A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Brooklyn said the members will pray the rosary while they wait for the Pope to arrive. | Members of the group of 200 will include parishioners, some of the 26 ethnic groups that makeup congregations in Brooklyn, nursing home residents and homeless people living in religious housing. A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Brooklyn said the members will pray the rosary while they wait for the Pope to arrive. |
| The Xaverian high school band will play New York, New York by Frank Sinatra, then City of God as the Pope gets off the plane. The entire ceremony is expected to last 15 minutes. | The Xaverian high school band will play New York, New York by Frank Sinatra, then City of God as the Pope gets off the plane. The entire ceremony is expected to last 15 minutes. |
| Driving across Tarmac to where #PopeInNY will arrive later pic.twitter.com/WBZ8DlKCoh | Driving across Tarmac to where #PopeInNY will arrive later pic.twitter.com/WBZ8DlKCoh |
| Updated | |
| at 6.48pm BST | |
| 6.11pm BST | |
| 18:11 | |
| Pope Francis’s message of compassion and humanity resonated with Miami’s sizeable immigrant community, which has become frustrated with stalled efforts in Congress for comprehensive immigration reform, reports Richard Luscombe in Miami. | Pope Francis’s message of compassion and humanity resonated with Miami’s sizeable immigrant community, which has become frustrated with stalled efforts in Congress for comprehensive immigration reform, reports Richard Luscombe in Miami. |
| Viewing immigrants as people, “seeing their faces and listening to their stories”, as the pope urged Washington legislators, struck a particular chord with Marcia Olivo, who came to the US from the Dominican Republic two decades ago, as she watched the address. | Viewing immigrants as people, “seeing their faces and listening to their stories”, as the pope urged Washington legislators, struck a particular chord with Marcia Olivo, who came to the US from the Dominican Republic two decades ago, as she watched the address. |
| “The pope has been very vocal and shown a lot of compassion, he’s speaking about lowering the borders for immigrants, without tagging people with this label,” she said. | “The pope has been very vocal and shown a lot of compassion, he’s speaking about lowering the borders for immigrants, without tagging people with this label,” she said. |
| “He sees them as human beings. He is bringing an important message and the most important thing is that Congress listened to him and paid attention to what he said. What I hope will prevail is compassion and dignity for people. It’s time to be able to come out of the shadows and to live without fear.” | “He sees them as human beings. He is bringing an important message and the most important thing is that Congress listened to him and paid attention to what he said. What I hope will prevail is compassion and dignity for people. It’s time to be able to come out of the shadows and to live without fear.” |
| Olivo is no stranger to the immigration issue, and in her job at the Miami Workers Centre, a social advocacy group, she encounters the frustrations experienced by Florida’s estimated 900.000 undocumented immigrants on a daily basis. | Olivo is no stranger to the immigration issue, and in her job at the Miami Workers Centre, a social advocacy group, she encounters the frustrations experienced by Florida’s estimated 900.000 undocumented immigrants on a daily basis. |
| Watching the pope’s address on television at the workers’ centre in Liberty City, the heart of Miami’s multi-cultural community, Olivo was pleased with his call for the US to welcome migrants seeking refuge and not be “taken aback by their numbers”. | Watching the pope’s address on television at the workers’ centre in Liberty City, the heart of Miami’s multi-cultural community, Olivo was pleased with his call for the US to welcome migrants seeking refuge and not be “taken aback by their numbers”. |
| “If we’re talking about families we need to be talking about the separation of families and resolving that problem,” she said, referring to President Obama’s 2014 executive action to halt the deportation of illegal immigrant parents whose children were born in the US and therefore citizens. | “If we’re talking about families we need to be talking about the separation of families and resolving that problem,” she said, referring to President Obama’s 2014 executive action to halt the deportation of illegal immigrant parents whose children were born in the US and therefore citizens. |
| The Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents has been held up by the Republican-controlled legislature and a courtroom power struggle between the Obama administration and judiciary and its future is uncertain. According to the Migration Policy Institute, there are 3.7 million undocumented immigrants in the US who could be eligible to stay under DAPA. | The Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents has been held up by the Republican-controlled legislature and a courtroom power struggle between the Obama administration and judiciary and its future is uncertain. According to the Migration Policy Institute, there are 3.7 million undocumented immigrants in the US who could be eligible to stay under DAPA. |
| “It was good to see politicians standing and clapping the pope but they need to take his message to heart,” she said. “A good outcome of the would be Congress putting politics aside and bringing humanity to the forefront. I hope having the pope there isn’t just a trend and they open their hearts to the message he is bringing.” | “It was good to see politicians standing and clapping the pope but they need to take his message to heart,” she said. “A good outcome of the would be Congress putting politics aside and bringing humanity to the forefront. I hope having the pope there isn’t just a trend and they open their hearts to the message he is bringing.” |
| A number of activists from Miami took part in a 100-mile walk from Pennsylvania to Washington DC to greet the pope and call for immigration reform. Olivo walked several days with them and said the group arrived back in Miami on Wednesday with “sore feet but a sense of accomplishment.” | A number of activists from Miami took part in a 100-mile walk from Pennsylvania to Washington DC to greet the pope and call for immigration reform. Olivo walked several days with them and said the group arrived back in Miami on Wednesday with “sore feet but a sense of accomplishment.” |
| 5.51pm BST | |
| 17:51 | |
| Republican hopefuls Ben Carson and Ted Cruz on pope's address | Republican hopefuls Ben Carson and Ted Cruz on pope's address |
| Ben Jacobs | Ben Jacobs |
| Guardian US political reporter Ben Jacobs has been roving the galleries in Congress, catching current representatives and would-be future presidents of the United States for their thoughts on the pope’s speech. | Guardian US political reporter Ben Jacobs has been roving the galleries in Congress, catching current representatives and would-be future presidents of the United States for their thoughts on the pope’s speech. |
| You’d think that someone like the Republican candidate and neurosurgeon Ben Carson, surrounded by controversy for saying he did not want a Muslim president, might double down. He kind of did, just not on that, as Ben reports: | You’d think that someone like the Republican candidate and neurosurgeon Ben Carson, surrounded by controversy for saying he did not want a Muslim president, might double down. He kind of did, just not on that, as Ben reports: |
| It sounded good. It sounded like he was talking about things that are generally uplifting: life, environment – things that anyone should be able to agree with. | It sounded good. It sounded like he was talking about things that are generally uplifting: life, environment – things that anyone should be able to agree with. |
| I didn’t understand what he was saying about climate change. I certainly agree that any intelligent person will try to take care of the environment – not just for themselves, for others. | I didn’t understand what he was saying about climate change. I certainly agree that any intelligent person will try to take care of the environment – not just for themselves, for others. |
| As far as the death penalty was concerned, I think that’s a civil issue and as such I think the people in the region should make their own decisions. | As far as the death penalty was concerned, I think that’s a civil issue and as such I think the people in the region should make their own decisions. |
| We’re a country of immigrants. We’ve always accepted immigrants, but obviously we have to be careful the way we do. | We’re a country of immigrants. We’ve always accepted immigrants, but obviously we have to be careful the way we do. |
| I think it’s very reasonable because, really, he’s talking about things which hopefully transcend partisanship – things we should all be thinking about. | I think it’s very reasonable because, really, he’s talking about things which hopefully transcend partisanship – things we should all be thinking about. |
| And then there’s Ted Cruz, the Texas senator and candidate for president, brushing off the in-your-face immigration talk that was the thrust of the pope’s address with the words “radical Islam” ... and instead focusing on the abortion language at the end, as Ben reports: | And then there’s Ted Cruz, the Texas senator and candidate for president, brushing off the in-your-face immigration talk that was the thrust of the pope’s address with the words “radical Islam” ... and instead focusing on the abortion language at the end, as Ben reports: |
| There is no nation on Earth that is more welcoming than the United States of America. That is entirely consistent with believing in the rule of law – that we should secure the border and we should know who is coming into the country, particularly at the time with rise of radical Islam and growing national security threats. | There is no nation on Earth that is more welcoming than the United States of America. That is entirely consistent with believing in the rule of law – that we should secure the border and we should know who is coming into the country, particularly at the time with rise of radical Islam and growing national security threats. |
| We can remain a nation that welcomes legal immigrants while at the same time as securing our border and protecting safety of legal Americans. | We can remain a nation that welcomes legal immigrants while at the same time as securing our border and protecting safety of legal Americans. |
| I think the proposition that we should welcome legal immigrants is absolutely correct and is also consistent with over two centuries of our nation’s history. | I think the proposition that we should welcome legal immigrants is absolutely correct and is also consistent with over two centuries of our nation’s history. |
| Well, his admonition to Congress that we should protect human life at every stage of development was powerful – all the more so in the wake of Senate Democrats standing almost entirely united in support of late-term abortion. | Well, his admonition to Congress that we should protect human life at every stage of development was powerful – all the more so in the wake of Senate Democrats standing almost entirely united in support of late-term abortion. |
| It was striking and heartbreaking to see so many Congressional Democrats sitting stone-faced, arms-crossed, when the pope urged all to defend human life – the first and most fundamental right and obligation. | It was striking and heartbreaking to see so many Congressional Democrats sitting stone-faced, arms-crossed, when the pope urged all to defend human life – the first and most fundamental right and obligation. |
| Pope Francis has been a powerful voice for life at a time when life is profoundly threatened in America. Pope Francis has been a powerful voice for marriage in a time when five unelected judges are seeking to tear down marriage laws across the country. And Pope Francis has been a powerful voice for religious liberty at a time when the Obama administration is waging a relentless war against religious liberty. | Pope Francis has been a powerful voice for life at a time when life is profoundly threatened in America. Pope Francis has been a powerful voice for marriage in a time when five unelected judges are seeking to tear down marriage laws across the country. And Pope Francis has been a powerful voice for religious liberty at a time when the Obama administration is waging a relentless war against religious liberty. |
| So there’s that. | So there’s that. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.56pm BST | |
| 5.50pm BST | |
| 17:50 | |
| From Angela Bruno: | From Angela Bruno: |
| In his address to Congress this morning, the pope mentioned four “great Americans”. Two are household names: Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. The other two are lesser-known: Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. Google trends noted a spike in searches for the latter two. | In his address to Congress this morning, the pope mentioned four “great Americans”. Two are household names: Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. The other two are lesser-known: Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. Google trends noted a spike in searches for the latter two. |
| Everyone's Googling Thomas Merton and Dorothy Day from @PerryStein http://t.co/ZXNC537MKW pic.twitter.com/u2O3k489my | Everyone's Googling Thomas Merton and Dorothy Day from @PerryStein http://t.co/ZXNC537MKW pic.twitter.com/u2O3k489my |
| 5.45pm BST | |
| 17:45 | |
| Some commentators have noted that the pope left out some lines from his prepared text. The enigmatic Fr Federico Lombardi corrects the record: | Some commentators have noted that the pope left out some lines from his prepared text. The enigmatic Fr Federico Lombardi corrects the record: |
| Fr Lombardi, papal spox, says #PopeFrancis lost his place for min, accidentally skipping 4 lines in speech to Congress. Full text = valid. | Fr Lombardi, papal spox, says #PopeFrancis lost his place for min, accidentally skipping 4 lines in speech to Congress. Full text = valid. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.46pm BST | |
| 5.41pm BST | |
| 17:41 | |
| Bernie Sanders: citation of socialist Dorothy Day shows where pope is 'coming from' | Bernie Sanders: citation of socialist Dorothy Day shows where pope is 'coming from' |
| Speaking to CNN after the pope’s address to Congress, Senator Bernie Sanders said his honoring of former socialist and Catholic convert Dorothy Day showed his priorities. | Speaking to CNN after the pope’s address to Congress, Senator Bernie Sanders said his honoring of former socialist and Catholic convert Dorothy Day showed his priorities. |
| “She was a very, very progressive socialist who organised working people and the poor to stand up to the wealthy and powerful, for social justice,” Sanders said. | “She was a very, very progressive socialist who organised working people and the poor to stand up to the wealthy and powerful, for social justice,” Sanders said. |
| “The fact that he cited her ... as one of the people he appreciated, tells you exactly where this man is coming from.” | “The fact that he cited her ... as one of the people he appreciated, tells you exactly where this man is coming from.” |
| Day was the founder of the Great Depression-era Catholic Worker newspaper and houses of hospitality and a member of the Industrial Workers of the World. | Day was the founder of the Great Depression-era Catholic Worker newspaper and houses of hospitality and a member of the Industrial Workers of the World. |
| Her personal life is considered unorthodox by Catholic standards: she had an abortion and lived for years in a common-law marriage. Nonetheless, many people advocate for her canonization. | Her personal life is considered unorthodox by Catholic standards: she had an abortion and lived for years in a common-law marriage. Nonetheless, many people advocate for her canonization. |
| Sanders also remarked on the non-partisan tone of the pontiff’s address, saying “he handled himself in a very dignified way”. | Sanders also remarked on the non-partisan tone of the pontiff’s address, saying “he handled himself in a very dignified way”. |
| “He was an invited guest and wasn’t here to make partisan points,” Sanders said, adding that while he disagreed with the church’s stance on abortion and gay marriage, he and other progressives were “there to listen to a very good man”. | “He was an invited guest and wasn’t here to make partisan points,” Sanders said, adding that while he disagreed with the church’s stance on abortion and gay marriage, he and other progressives were “there to listen to a very good man”. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.52pm BST | |
| 5.23pm BST | |
| 17:23 | |
| Our intrepid reporter Jessica Glenza has spent the morning traversing the security to welcome Pope Francis at New York’s JFK airport. Security is tight; it was only yesterday that a Guardian reporter had his banana confiscated before the Junipero Serra canonization. | Our intrepid reporter Jessica Glenza has spent the morning traversing the security to welcome Pope Francis at New York’s JFK airport. Security is tight; it was only yesterday that a Guardian reporter had his banana confiscated before the Junipero Serra canonization. |
| #PopeInNY sign by where Francis will arrive pic.twitter.com/j79nCWb1Y1 | #PopeInNY sign by where Francis will arrive pic.twitter.com/j79nCWb1Y1 |
| Here’s more on the security challenges from my colleague Mahita Gajanan: | Here’s more on the security challenges from my colleague Mahita Gajanan: |
| Because the pope’s visit coincides with the 70th United Nations General Assembly, which brings in about 170 world leaders, New York faces a large security challenge. | Because the pope’s visit coincides with the 70th United Nations General Assembly, which brings in about 170 world leaders, New York faces a large security challenge. |
| NYPD commissioner William Bratton said last week that the pope’s hands-on style presents its own security challenges – Pope Francis plans to visit an East Harlem school and lead a procession through Central Park. | NYPD commissioner William Bratton said last week that the pope’s hands-on style presents its own security challenges – Pope Francis plans to visit an East Harlem school and lead a procession through Central Park. |
| “We are very confident we will have a safe event for all those coming,” Bratton said. The US Department of Homeland Security designated the papal visit as a national special security event, so the US Secret Service has assumed its role as the lead federal agency for the security plan. | “We are very confident we will have a safe event for all those coming,” Bratton said. The US Department of Homeland Security designated the papal visit as a national special security event, so the US Secret Service has assumed its role as the lead federal agency for the security plan. |
| The Secret Service Is working with the NYPD, the FBI, the US Coast Guard and several other local and national departments to operate security. | The Secret Service Is working with the NYPD, the FBI, the US Coast Guard and several other local and national departments to operate security. |
| Thousands of police officers have been assigned to each event of the papal visit, as well as the events at the UN. People attending the events are prohibited from bringing balloons, umbrellas and selfie sticks, among several other items. | Thousands of police officers have been assigned to each event of the papal visit, as well as the events at the UN. People attending the events are prohibited from bringing balloons, umbrellas and selfie sticks, among several other items. |
| 5.17pm BST | |
| 17:17 | |
| How’s that for a contrast: the papal Fiat v the armored personnel carriers driven by his security forces. | How’s that for a contrast: the papal Fiat v the armored personnel carriers driven by his security forces. |
| The pope has departed his meal with the homeless. Next stop: New York City. | The pope has departed his meal with the homeless. Next stop: New York City. |
| 5.12pm BST | |
| 17:12 | |
| From Angela Bruno: | From Angela Bruno: |
| La gente aplaude cuando sale el Papa al Capitolio @UniNoticias pic.twitter.com/ijfIZ5rpt4 | La gente aplaude cuando sale el Papa al Capitolio @UniNoticias pic.twitter.com/ijfIZ5rpt4 |
| From blocks away, Univision correspondent Fernando Pizarro captures the roar of the crowd as the Pope exited the Capitol Building after his joint address to Congress. Once outside, the Pope issued an impromptu greeting to the crowd and addressed the masses in Spanish, thanking them for their presence, and asking for their prayers. He extended his message to everyone, going on to say, “If there are among you any who do not believe or cannot pray, I ask you please to send good wishes my way.” | From blocks away, Univision correspondent Fernando Pizarro captures the roar of the crowd as the Pope exited the Capitol Building after his joint address to Congress. Once outside, the Pope issued an impromptu greeting to the crowd and addressed the masses in Spanish, thanking them for their presence, and asking for their prayers. He extended his message to everyone, going on to say, “If there are among you any who do not believe or cannot pray, I ask you please to send good wishes my way.” |
| 5.11pm BST | |
| 17:11 | |
| The “homeless problem”, according to president of the Catholic league Bill Donohue, is not just “a function of a lack of housing”, he told Catholic TV network EWTN. It was also because of mental illness that they weren’t in shelter, which, Donohue said, was partly the blame of civil libertarians. | The “homeless problem”, according to president of the Catholic league Bill Donohue, is not just “a function of a lack of housing”, he told Catholic TV network EWTN. It was also because of mental illness that they weren’t in shelter, which, Donohue said, was partly the blame of civil libertarians. |
| Donohue is a long-time critic of civil libertarians, and the author of a critical book on the ACLU. | Donohue is a long-time critic of civil libertarians, and the author of a critical book on the ACLU. |
| 5.10pm BST | |
| 17:10 | |
| Adam Brereton | Adam Brereton |
| G’day, Adam Brereton back with you on the blog now after a marathon morning from my colleague Nicky Woolf. The pope is currently meeting homeless Americans in Washington DC. | G’day, Adam Brereton back with you on the blog now after a marathon morning from my colleague Nicky Woolf. The pope is currently meeting homeless Americans in Washington DC. |
| 5.05pm BST | |
| 17:05 | |
| From Angela Bruno in NYC: | From Angela Bruno in NYC: |
| Rocco Palma, chief chronicler of the Roman Catholic Church, has this to say about the pope’s address to the people on the steps of the Capitol building. | Rocco Palma, chief chronicler of the Roman Catholic Church, has this to say about the pope’s address to the people on the steps of the Capitol building. |
| For the record, Pope didn't just speak in Spanish on Capitol balcony due to his English skills... that was a sign of solidarity with Latinos | For the record, Pope didn't just speak in Spanish on Capitol balcony due to his English skills... that was a sign of solidarity with Latinos |
| Pope Francis is the first Latin American pontiff, and the first whose native language is Spanish. Immigration reform, a cause close to the hearts of many in the Latino community, has been at the center of the pope’s messages this week. | Pope Francis is the first Latin American pontiff, and the first whose native language is Spanish. Immigration reform, a cause close to the hearts of many in the Latino community, has been at the center of the pope’s messages this week. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.05pm BST | |
| 4.54pm BST | |
| 16:54 | |
| My colleague Sibylla Brodzinksy in Bogotá has an update on another aspect of papal diplomacy: the Vatican’s involvement in Colombia’s peace process. | My colleague Sibylla Brodzinksy in Bogotá has an update on another aspect of papal diplomacy: the Vatican’s involvement in Colombia’s peace process. |
| Before arriving in the US the pope stopped off in Cuba, which last night was the setting for another historic event: the announcement that Colombia’s five-decade war may finally be coming to an end. | Before arriving in the US the pope stopped off in Cuba, which last night was the setting for another historic event: the announcement that Colombia’s five-decade war may finally be coming to an end. |
| Representatives of the country’s government and the Farc rebels said that after nearly three years of talks, they had reached a groundbreaking deal on justice, paving the way for a final peace deal within six months. | Representatives of the country’s government and the Farc rebels said that after nearly three years of talks, they had reached a groundbreaking deal on justice, paving the way for a final peace deal within six months. |
| There’s probably nothing the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colomabia and the country’s government would have liked better than to have announced the agreement while Pope Francis was in Havana. | There’s probably nothing the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colomabia and the country’s government would have liked better than to have announced the agreement while Pope Francis was in Havana. |
| Colombian media speculated that the two parties had wanted the pope to be present at last night’s announcement. Sources close to the talks denied that, but Francis may nonetheless have played a role in the breakthrough. The rebels declared their first ever indefinite ceasefire in December - on the same day that Cuba and the US announced their historic rapprochement, which was in part brokered by the Vatican. | Colombian media speculated that the two parties had wanted the pope to be present at last night’s announcement. Sources close to the talks denied that, but Francis may nonetheless have played a role in the breakthrough. The rebels declared their first ever indefinite ceasefire in December - on the same day that Cuba and the US announced their historic rapprochement, which was in part brokered by the Vatican. |
| During his mass in Havana’s Revolution Plaza on Sunday the pope beseeched the two sides to end the war that has claimed at least 200,000 lives. “We do not have the right to allow ourselves yet another failure,” he said of the latest attempt to end the conflict. | During his mass in Havana’s Revolution Plaza on Sunday the pope beseeched the two sides to end the war that has claimed at least 200,000 lives. “We do not have the right to allow ourselves yet another failure,” he said of the latest attempt to end the conflict. |
| A day later, the Farc responded with a video message to the pope saying that there were “powerful reasons for hope” that a peace deal was on the near horizon. | A day later, the Farc responded with a video message to the pope saying that there were “powerful reasons for hope” that a peace deal was on the near horizon. |
| By Tuesday, the deal was cooked and top rebel leader Rodrigo Londoño, alias Timochenko, and President Juan Manuel Santos were on their way to Havana to preside over the signing of the pact Wednesday evening. | By Tuesday, the deal was cooked and top rebel leader Rodrigo Londoño, alias Timochenko, and President Juan Manuel Santos were on their way to Havana to preside over the signing of the pact Wednesday evening. |
| Without alluding to the Colombian deal specifically, the pope told the US Congress: “Being at the service of dialogue and peace also means being truly determined to minimize and, in the long term, to end the many armed conflicts throughout our world.” | Without alluding to the Colombian deal specifically, the pope told the US Congress: “Being at the service of dialogue and peace also means being truly determined to minimize and, in the long term, to end the many armed conflicts throughout our world.” |
| Updated | |
| at 5.01pm BST | |
| 4.54pm BST | |
| 16:54 | |
| Before heading to the West Front of the Capitol, THE POPE blessed the newly born daughter of @SpeakerBoehner’s director of scheduling. | Before heading to the West Front of the Capitol, THE POPE blessed the newly born daughter of @SpeakerBoehner’s director of scheduling. |
| 4.52pm BST | |
| 16:52 | |
| You can tell the US Secret Service from the undercover Swiss guards & Vatican police cuz the US guys are chewing gum pic.twitter.com/Jq4nSxv0OL | You can tell the US Secret Service from the undercover Swiss guards & Vatican police cuz the US guys are chewing gum pic.twitter.com/Jq4nSxv0OL |
| 4.52pm BST | |
| 16:52 | |
| Pope Francis concludes his remarks at St. Patrick’s: | Pope Francis concludes his remarks at St. Patrick’s: |
| Prayer unites us; it makes us brothers and sisters. It opens our hearts and reminds us of a beautiful truth which we sometimes forget. In prayer, we all learn to say “Father”, “Dad”. We learn to see one another as brothers and sisters. In prayer, there are no rich and poor people, there are sons and daughters, sisters and brothers. In prayer, there is no first or second class, there is brotherhood. | Prayer unites us; it makes us brothers and sisters. It opens our hearts and reminds us of a beautiful truth which we sometimes forget. In prayer, we all learn to say “Father”, “Dad”. We learn to see one another as brothers and sisters. In prayer, there are no rich and poor people, there are sons and daughters, sisters and brothers. In prayer, there is no first or second class, there is brotherhood. |
| It is in prayer that our hearts find the strength not to be cold and insensitive in the face of injustice. In prayer, God keeps calling us, opening our hearts to charity. | It is in prayer that our hearts find the strength not to be cold and insensitive in the face of injustice. In prayer, God keeps calling us, opening our hearts to charity. |
| How good it is for us to pray together. How good it is to encounter one another in this place where we see one another as brothers and sisters, where we realize that we need one another. Today I want to be one with you. | How good it is for us to pray together. How good it is to encounter one another in this place where we see one another as brothers and sisters, where we realize that we need one another. Today I want to be one with you. |
| He ends on the Lord’s prayer: | He ends on the Lord’s prayer: |
| The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. | The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. |
| “And please, don’t forget to pray for me,” he says. | “And please, don’t forget to pray for me,” he says. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.53pm BST | |
| 4.48pm BST | |
| 16:48 | |
| 300 homeless waiting for Pope. On menu: boneless teriyaki chicken, Asian pasta salad, green beans, carrots, brownie. pic.twitter.com/PPG48VZt5a | 300 homeless waiting for Pope. On menu: boneless teriyaki chicken, Asian pasta salad, green beans, carrots, brownie. pic.twitter.com/PPG48VZt5a |
| 4.45pm BST | |
| 16:45 | |
| We know that Jesus wanted to show solidarity with every person. He wanted everyone to experience his companionship, his help, his love. He identified with all those who suffer, who weep, who suffer any kind of injustice. | We know that Jesus wanted to show solidarity with every person. He wanted everyone to experience his companionship, his help, his love. He identified with all those who suffer, who weep, who suffer any kind of injustice. |
| In this speech, Pope Francis is laying out the theological case for his own positions on social injustice. | In this speech, Pope Francis is laying out the theological case for his own positions on social injustice. |
| 4.44pm BST | |
| 16:44 | |
| In the face of unjust and painful situations, faith brings us the light which scatters the darkness. As it did for Joseph, faith makes us open to the quiet presence of God at every moment of our lives, in every person and in every situation. God is present in every one of you, in each one of us. | In the face of unjust and painful situations, faith brings us the light which scatters the darkness. As it did for Joseph, faith makes us open to the quiet presence of God at every moment of our lives, in every person and in every situation. God is present in every one of you, in each one of us. |
| I want to be very clear. We can find no social or moral justification, no justification whatsoever, for lack of housing. There are many unjust situations, but we know that God is suffering with us, experiencing them at our side. He does not abandon us. | I want to be very clear. We can find no social or moral justification, no justification whatsoever, for lack of housing. There are many unjust situations, but we know that God is suffering with us, experiencing them at our side. He does not abandon us. |
| #PopeFrancis: We can find no social or moral justification no justification whatsoever, for lack of housing pic.twitter.com/v9W2h8ymXY | #PopeFrancis: We can find no social or moral justification no justification whatsoever, for lack of housing pic.twitter.com/v9W2h8ymXY |
| 4.42pm BST | |
| 16:42 | |
| Like Saint Joseph, you may ask: Why are we homeless, without a place to live? These are questions which all of us might well ask. Why do these, our brothers and sisters, have no place to live? Why are these brothers and sisters of ours homeless? | Like Saint Joseph, you may ask: Why are we homeless, without a place to live? These are questions which all of us might well ask. Why do these, our brothers and sisters, have no place to live? Why are these brothers and sisters of ours homeless? |
| Joseph’s questions are timely even today; they accompany all those who throughout history have been, and are, homeless. | Joseph’s questions are timely even today; they accompany all those who throughout history have been, and are, homeless. |
| #PopeFrancis to homeless at Caritas Center in DC: "The Son of God came into this world a homeless person," pic.twitter.com/G4q514b4jn | #PopeFrancis to homeless at Caritas Center in DC: "The Son of God came into this world a homeless person," pic.twitter.com/G4q514b4jn |
| 4.40pm BST | |
| 16:40 | |
| Pope Francis is speaking at St. Patrick in the City church. | Pope Francis is speaking at St. Patrick in the City church. |
| He talks about helping the homeless: | He talks about helping the homeless: |
| I can imagine Joseph, with his wife about to have a child, with no shelter, no home, no place to stay. The Son of God came into this world as a homeless person. The Son of God knew what it was to start life without a roof over his head. We can imagine what Joseph must have been thinking. | I can imagine Joseph, with his wife about to have a child, with no shelter, no home, no place to stay. The Son of God came into this world as a homeless person. The Son of God knew what it was to start life without a roof over his head. We can imagine what Joseph must have been thinking. |
| How is it that the Son of God has no home? Why are we homeless, why don’t we have housing? These are questions which many of you may ask daily. | How is it that the Son of God has no home? Why are we homeless, why don’t we have housing? These are questions which many of you may ask daily. |
| 4.38pm BST | |
| 16:38 | |
| Lauren Gambino | Lauren Gambino |
| Lauren Gambino is talking to people in the crowd at the Capitol. | Lauren Gambino is talking to people in the crowd at the Capitol. |
| Almost everyone I'm grabbing to ask about the address said it was very empowering #PopeInDC | Almost everyone I'm grabbing to ask about the address said it was very empowering #PopeInDC |
| "I hope Mr Trump was listening." - Rosie who came with her son to see the papal address | "I hope Mr Trump was listening." - Rosie who came with her son to see the papal address |
| 4.34pm BST | |
| 16:34 | |
| Pope Francis arrives at St. Patrick's church | Pope Francis arrives at St. Patrick's church |
| Pope Francis in St. Patrick's church, at the heart of dowtown Washington, to meet with homeless #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/oudRvtJDHc | Pope Francis in St. Patrick's church, at the heart of dowtown Washington, to meet with homeless #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/oudRvtJDHc |
| 4.33pm BST | |
| 16:33 | |
| Stephanie Kirchgaessner | Stephanie Kirchgaessner |
| There was a notable omission in the pope’s speech before Congress, reports Stephanie Kirchgaessner. | There was a notable omission in the pope’s speech before Congress, reports Stephanie Kirchgaessner. |
| According to the prepared text, Pope Francis was to issue a powerful commentary on how politicians can be led astray, saying that “If politics must truly be at the service of the human person, it follows that it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance.” | According to the prepared text, Pope Francis was to issue a powerful commentary on how politicians can be led astray, saying that “If politics must truly be at the service of the human person, it follows that it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance.” |
| But Francis left out those words, which would have been particularly stinging before a group of lawmakers - Democrats and Republicans alike - who raise hundreds of millions of dollars from corporate interests, particularly banks, to finance their campaigns. | But Francis left out those words, which would have been particularly stinging before a group of lawmakers - Democrats and Republicans alike - who raise hundreds of millions of dollars from corporate interests, particularly banks, to finance their campaigns. |
| Furthermore, the failure to act on global warming, or finance various social programs that benefit the poor, are often excused for economic reasons. Reasons the pope clearly would not agree with - though he stopped short of making that point today. | Furthermore, the failure to act on global warming, or finance various social programs that benefit the poor, are often excused for economic reasons. Reasons the pope clearly would not agree with - though he stopped short of making that point today. |
| Here is the full section of the text that was omitted from the speech. | Here is the full section of the text that was omitted from the speech. |
| Here I think of the political history of the United States, where democracy is deeply rooted in the mind of the American people. All political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” (Declaration of Independence, 4 July 1776). If politics must truly be at the service of the human person, it follows that it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance. | Here I think of the political history of the United States, where democracy is deeply rooted in the mind of the American people. All political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” (Declaration of Independence, 4 July 1776). If politics must truly be at the service of the human person, it follows that it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance. |
| 4.22pm BST | |
| 16:22 | |
| Pope Francis has returned to his Fiat to leave the Capitol Building, on his way to visit the church of St. Patrick in the City. | Pope Francis has returned to his Fiat to leave the Capitol Building, on his way to visit the church of St. Patrick in the City. |
| Pope waves through a rolled down window from the backseat of his Fiat on leaving the Capitol grounds. pic.twitter.com/e95HL305ti | Pope waves through a rolled down window from the backseat of his Fiat on leaving the Capitol grounds. pic.twitter.com/e95HL305ti |
| 4.18pm BST | |
| 16:18 | |
| Looks like Senator Tim Scott broke the no-photos in the chamber rule, posting this picture of Pope Francis speaking: | Looks like Senator Tim Scott broke the no-photos in the chamber rule, posting this picture of Pope Francis speaking: |
| 4.16pm BST | |
| 16:16 | |
| The dominant theme of the pope’s address to Congress was certainly immigration. He spoke of “thousands of persons [who] are led to travel north in search of a better life” – here in North America, but also with a reference to the European migration crisis. | The dominant theme of the pope’s address to Congress was certainly immigration. He spoke of “thousands of persons [who] are led to travel north in search of a better life” – here in North America, but also with a reference to the European migration crisis. |
| Here to make sense of the Francis message on immigration from both sides of the Atlantic are Guardian religion correspondent Harriet Sherwood and Guardian US chief reporter Ed Pilkington: | Here to make sense of the Francis message on immigration from both sides of the Atlantic are Guardian religion correspondent Harriet Sherwood and Guardian US chief reporter Ed Pilkington: |
| Ed Pilkington: | Ed Pilkington: |
| We expected Pope Francis to deliver strong words on immigration, but if I were Donald Trump I’d be quaking in my boots. The frontrunner Republican presidential candidate wasn’t mentioned by name, of course, but he was certainly present in the passage the pontiff reserved on the subject. | We expected Pope Francis to deliver strong words on immigration, but if I were Donald Trump I’d be quaking in my boots. The frontrunner Republican presidential candidate wasn’t mentioned by name, of course, but he was certainly present in the passage the pontiff reserved on the subject. |
| It was devastating. | It was devastating. |
| Francis got one of the biggest cheers of the speech with this line: “We are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners.” He called on Congress to reject a “mindset of hostility”. Then he referred to the thousands of people travelling north from Central America and Mexico to enter the US not in terms of rape and murder as Trump has chosen to do, but as epitomes of the American Dream – people like so many in the US who have come here in search of a better life. “Is this not what we want for our own children?” is a phrase that will continue to resonate in the fevered presidential debate for some time to come. | Francis got one of the biggest cheers of the speech with this line: “We are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners.” He called on Congress to reject a “mindset of hostility”. Then he referred to the thousands of people travelling north from Central America and Mexico to enter the US not in terms of rape and murder as Trump has chosen to do, but as epitomes of the American Dream – people like so many in the US who have come here in search of a better life. “Is this not what we want for our own children?” is a phrase that will continue to resonate in the fevered presidential debate for some time to come. |
| Harriet Sherwood: | Harriet Sherwood: |
| And he referred again – as he did at the White House on Wednesday – to his own family background: “I say this to you as the son of immigrants.” Those were practically his first public words on US soil, so his message couldn’t be more clear. | And he referred again – as he did at the White House on Wednesday – to his own family background: “I say this to you as the son of immigrants.” Those were practically his first public words on US soil, so his message couldn’t be more clear. |
| But I don’t think it’s just about the US track record on immigration. He’s also talking about a global crisis: “Our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War.” That’s referring to the hundreds of thousands of people trudging across Europe in search of a better life. So David Cameron and the rest of the UK government should listen up, too. | But I don’t think it’s just about the US track record on immigration. He’s also talking about a global crisis: “Our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War.” That’s referring to the hundreds of thousands of people trudging across Europe in search of a better life. So David Cameron and the rest of the UK government should listen up, too. |
| Ed Pilkington: | Ed Pilkington: |
| Absolutely. And this is a message that will resonate in the US as well, where leaders of both main parties have so far been hesitant to make firm commitments about taking more Syrian refugees. We asked the presidential candidates recently what they would do to help solve the Syrian refugee crisis and were met with an almost universal evasion. | Absolutely. And this is a message that will resonate in the US as well, where leaders of both main parties have so far been hesitant to make firm commitments about taking more Syrian refugees. We asked the presidential candidates recently what they would do to help solve the Syrian refugee crisis and were met with an almost universal evasion. |
| Harriet Sherwood: | Harriet Sherwood: |
| Yes, both the US and the UK have been put to shame by the response of the German government which has opened its doors to refugees. But, in a characteristic move, Pope Francis has also called for every Catholic parish to take in a refugee family, and indeed is hosting one in the Vatican. That was a very practical action, and consistent with his papacy. It’s interesting to wonder if history might have taken a different course if every Catholic parish had taken in a Jewish family in 1938. | Yes, both the US and the UK have been put to shame by the response of the German government which has opened its doors to refugees. But, in a characteristic move, Pope Francis has also called for every Catholic parish to take in a refugee family, and indeed is hosting one in the Vatican. That was a very practical action, and consistent with his papacy. It’s interesting to wonder if history might have taken a different course if every Catholic parish had taken in a Jewish family in 1938. |
| Ed Pilkington: | Ed Pilkington: |
| I’m struck by how effortlessly Francis moved in his speech from the very practical, as you say, to evoking the finer spirit in humanity. He evoked Moses, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King. In that tradition, he called on Congress to “avoid a common temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves troublesome”. I couldn’t help thinking at that point of the wall Trump wants to build along the US border with Mexico and his talk of mass deportation of all 11 million undocumented immigrants. | I’m struck by how effortlessly Francis moved in his speech from the very practical, as you say, to evoking the finer spirit in humanity. He evoked Moses, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King. In that tradition, he called on Congress to “avoid a common temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves troublesome”. I couldn’t help thinking at that point of the wall Trump wants to build along the US border with Mexico and his talk of mass deportation of all 11 million undocumented immigrants. |
| Harriet Sherwood: | Harriet Sherwood: |
| Indeed. And it’s really significant that he is clear that we should open our doors not just to those fleeing war and persecution, but what are often termed ‘economic migrants’. These are people in search of greater opportunities, Francis said. “Is this not what we want for our own children?” And: “Let us seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves.” | Indeed. And it’s really significant that he is clear that we should open our doors not just to those fleeing war and persecution, but what are often termed ‘economic migrants’. These are people in search of greater opportunities, Francis said. “Is this not what we want for our own children?” And: “Let us seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves.” |
| These are strong words and clear guidance from the Holy Father, and our political leaders should be shifting uncomfortably in their seats. | These are strong words and clear guidance from the Holy Father, and our political leaders should be shifting uncomfortably in their seats. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.29pm BST | |
| 4.16pm BST | |
| 16:16 | |
| The view of the crowd from behind Pope Francis as he reached out to atheists to “send good wishes my way.” | The view of the crowd from behind Pope Francis as he reached out to atheists to “send good wishes my way.” |
| Pope asks crowd to "pray for me." And if don't believe or won't pray, he asks "please to send good wishes my way." pic.twitter.com/0rX0AdLLXF | Pope asks crowd to "pray for me." And if don't believe or won't pray, he asks "please to send good wishes my way." pic.twitter.com/0rX0AdLLXF |
| 4.12pm BST | |
| 16:12 | |
| Updated | |
| at 4.13pm BST | |
| 4.11pm BST | |
| 16:11 | |
| He concludes in English: | He concludes in English: |
| Thank you very much, and God bless America. | Thank you very much, and God bless America. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.14pm BST | |
| 4.10pm BST | |
| 16:10 | |
| “The most important ones here are children.” He prays; blessing “each of them” and their families. “Bless them all.” | “The most important ones here are children.” He prays; blessing “each of them” and their families. “Bless them all.” |
| And I ask you all please to pray for me. And if there are among you any who do not believe or who cannot pray, I ask you please to send good wishes my way. | And I ask you all please to pray for me. And if there are among you any who do not believe or who cannot pray, I ask you please to send good wishes my way. |
| #PopeInDC "Good day everybody. I'm so thankful for your presence here. the most important ones here, children." pic.twitter.com/6nXBlsfAiv | #PopeInDC "Good day everybody. I'm so thankful for your presence here. the most important ones here, children." pic.twitter.com/6nXBlsfAiv |
| 4.09pm BST | |
| 16:09 | |
| Pope Francis addresses the crowd outside the Capitol. | Pope Francis addresses the crowd outside the Capitol. |
| “I’m so grateful for your presence here,” he says, speaking in Spanish with translation into English. | “I’m so grateful for your presence here,” he says, speaking in Spanish with translation into English. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.10pm BST | |
| 4.07pm BST | |
| 16:07 | |
| As the pope walks through the Statuary Hall, he cannot fail to see the statue of controversial priest Junípero Serra. | As the pope walks through the Statuary Hall, he cannot fail to see the statue of controversial priest Junípero Serra. |
| Yesterday, the pope officiated a canonization mass for Serra, who presided over an era in California when the native American population were “brutalized – beaten, pressed into forced labour and infected with diseases to which they had no resistance,” the Guardian’s Andrew Gumbel reported on Wednesday. | Yesterday, the pope officiated a canonization mass for Serra, who presided over an era in California when the native American population were “brutalized – beaten, pressed into forced labour and infected with diseases to which they had no resistance,” the Guardian’s Andrew Gumbel reported on Wednesday. |
| It appears Pope Francis is aware of the controversy surrounding Serra’s canonization, because he addressed it directly in his speech: | It appears Pope Francis is aware of the controversy surrounding Serra’s canonization, because he addressed it directly in his speech: |
| Tragically, the rights of those who were here long before us were not always respected. For those peoples and their nations, from the heart of American democracy, I wish to reaffirm my highest esteem and appreciation. | Tragically, the rights of those who were here long before us were not always respected. For those peoples and their nations, from the heart of American democracy, I wish to reaffirm my highest esteem and appreciation. |
| He defended Serra’s canonization, however: | He defended Serra’s canonization, however: |
| Those first contacts were often turbulent and violent, but it is difficult to judge the past by the criteria of the present. | Those first contacts were often turbulent and violent, but it is difficult to judge the past by the criteria of the present. |
| And then called for unity: | And then called for unity: |
| We must resolve now to live as nobly and as justly as possible, as we educate new generations not to turn their back on our “neighbors” and everything around us. Building a nation calls us to recognize that we must constantly relate to others, rejecting a mindset of hostility in order to adopt one of reciprocal subsidiarity, in a constant effort to do our best. | We must resolve now to live as nobly and as justly as possible, as we educate new generations not to turn their back on our “neighbors” and everything around us. Building a nation calls us to recognize that we must constantly relate to others, rejecting a mindset of hostility in order to adopt one of reciprocal subsidiarity, in a constant effort to do our best. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.09pm BST | |
| 4.04pm BST | |
| 16:04 | |
| A hushed crowd watches the pope’s address: | A hushed crowd watches the pope’s address: |
| Amazing how quiet it is here. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/GJEsiGGkv6 | Amazing how quiet it is here. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/GJEsiGGkv6 |
| 4.02pm BST | |
| 16:02 | |
| The Pope’s speech lasted 50 minutes (it was scheduled to last 30). There was a total of one minute’s applause during the address. | The Pope’s speech lasted 50 minutes (it was scheduled to last 30). There was a total of one minute’s applause during the address. |
| 4.00pm BST | |
| 16:00 | |
| Spencer Ackerman | Spencer Ackerman |
| One of the most interesting moments of the speech was when Francis spoke about ideological extremism. Spencer Ackerman had this to say: | One of the most interesting moments of the speech was when Francis spoke about ideological extremism. Spencer Ackerman had this to say: |
| At a moment when a band of millenarian fanatics declare themselves to be the “Islamic State”, and when a boy who brings a clock into school gets arrested on suspicion he has a bomb because of his religion, Pope Francis tells Congress that “no religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism.” Francis’s message, to guard against “the simplistic reductionism which sees only good or evil”, is not one of equivocation or equivalence, as he speaks specifically about “combat[ting] violence perpetrated in the name of a religion, an ideology or an economic system”. Instead, it’s a call for more maturity: “We know that in the attempt to be freed of the enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within.” | At a moment when a band of millenarian fanatics declare themselves to be the “Islamic State”, and when a boy who brings a clock into school gets arrested on suspicion he has a bomb because of his religion, Pope Francis tells Congress that “no religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism.” Francis’s message, to guard against “the simplistic reductionism which sees only good or evil”, is not one of equivocation or equivalence, as he speaks specifically about “combat[ting] violence perpetrated in the name of a religion, an ideology or an economic system”. Instead, it’s a call for more maturity: “We know that in the attempt to be freed of the enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within.” |
| The value of a spiritual leader on the world stage is to prompt the powerful into introspection. Here is Francis telling a Congress, and a country, that is acting like Muslim lives are cheaper than Christian and Jewish ones, that “to imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place. That is something which you, as a people, reject.” | The value of a spiritual leader on the world stage is to prompt the powerful into introspection. Here is Francis telling a Congress, and a country, that is acting like Muslim lives are cheaper than Christian and Jewish ones, that “to imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place. That is something which you, as a people, reject.” |
| The response to Francis falls to the presidential candidates demonizing Muslims, the legislators and presidential aides content to keep detaining men indefinitely without charge, the president with a Nobel peace prize who proliferates what he euphemistically calls “targeted killing”, and the voters content with all this. If Francis’s speech is to be met with more than empty and ritualistic applause, they - we - must all ask: do we actually reject it? | The response to Francis falls to the presidential candidates demonizing Muslims, the legislators and presidential aides content to keep detaining men indefinitely without charge, the president with a Nobel peace prize who proliferates what he euphemistically calls “targeted killing”, and the voters content with all this. If Francis’s speech is to be met with more than empty and ritualistic applause, they - we - must all ask: do we actually reject it? |
| Updated | |
| at 4.05pm BST | |
| 3.58pm BST | |
| 15:58 | |
| Pope Francis will now walk through Statuary Hall in the Capitol Building. | Pope Francis will now walk through Statuary Hall in the Capitol Building. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.59pm BST | |
| 3.56pm BST | |
| 15:56 | |
| Megan Carpentier | Megan Carpentier |
| US opinion editor Megan Carpentier weighs in on abortion – specifically, that difficult-to-decipher moment at the end there about “a culture which pressures young people not to start a family”. | US opinion editor Megan Carpentier weighs in on abortion – specifically, that difficult-to-decipher moment at the end there about “a culture which pressures young people not to start a family”. |
| Though the pope earlier this year ordered priests to offer absolution to women who had abortions but repented their actions, he was unequivocal in his opposition to abortion during his speech to Congress, telling the assembled members, to near-rapturous applause, “The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development.” (His reminder that the responsibility to protect and defend human life also extends to opposing the death penalty was, unsurprisingly, less well-received.) | Though the pope earlier this year ordered priests to offer absolution to women who had abortions but repented their actions, he was unequivocal in his opposition to abortion during his speech to Congress, telling the assembled members, to near-rapturous applause, “The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development.” (His reminder that the responsibility to protect and defend human life also extends to opposing the death penalty was, unsurprisingly, less well-received.) |
| But it was nearer to the end of the speech that he reminded his listeners, however obtusely, that the Church’s opposition to reproductive rights, including birth control, has its roots in the faith’s understanding of “family” and women’s role in it. | But it was nearer to the end of the speech that he reminded his listeners, however obtusely, that the Church’s opposition to reproductive rights, including birth control, has its roots in the faith’s understanding of “family” and women’s role in it. |
| ‘It is my wish that throughout my visit the family should be a recurrent theme. How essential the family has been to the building of this country! And how worthy it remains of our support and encouragement! Yet I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without. Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family. I can only reiterate the importance and, above all, the richness and the beauty of family life. | ‘It is my wish that throughout my visit the family should be a recurrent theme. How essential the family has been to the building of this country! And how worthy it remains of our support and encouragement! Yet I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without. Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family. I can only reiterate the importance and, above all, the richness and the beauty of family life. |
| ‘In particular, I would like to call attention to those family members who are the most vulnerable, the young. For many of them, a future filled with countless possibilities beckons, yet so many others seem disoriented and aimless, trapped in a hopeless maze of violence, abuse and despair. Their problem are our problems. We cannot avoid them. We need to face them together, to talk about them and to seek effective solutions rather than getting bogged down in discussions. At the risk of oversimplifying, we might say that we live in a culture which pressures young people not to start a family, because they lack possibilities for the future. Yet this same culture presents others with so many options that they too are dissuaded from starting a family.’ | ‘In particular, I would like to call attention to those family members who are the most vulnerable, the young. For many of them, a future filled with countless possibilities beckons, yet so many others seem disoriented and aimless, trapped in a hopeless maze of violence, abuse and despair. Their problem are our problems. We cannot avoid them. We need to face them together, to talk about them and to seek effective solutions rather than getting bogged down in discussions. At the risk of oversimplifying, we might say that we live in a culture which pressures young people not to start a family, because they lack possibilities for the future. Yet this same culture presents others with so many options that they too are dissuaded from starting a family.’ |
| Though the pope is also addressing the Church’s concern with same sex marriage, he’s also alluding to the fact that the Church conceives of motherhood as women’s most important role in the world, though he supports equal pay for those who have to work. But it’s interesting that he focuses on the intersection of economic insecurity and fertility rates as much as economic possibility (and ‘choice’) as a factor in people’s choices on whether to start families. | Though the pope is also addressing the Church’s concern with same sex marriage, he’s also alluding to the fact that the Church conceives of motherhood as women’s most important role in the world, though he supports equal pay for those who have to work. But it’s interesting that he focuses on the intersection of economic insecurity and fertility rates as much as economic possibility (and ‘choice’) as a factor in people’s choices on whether to start families. |
| But the focus on ‘family’ here was really a focus on women, and women’s rights, as much as it was a reference to marriage equality, and a call for women to reconsider what the Church believes to be their fundamental role as mother’s and protectors of the family. | But the focus on ‘family’ here was really a focus on women, and women’s rights, as much as it was a reference to marriage equality, and a call for women to reconsider what the Church believes to be their fundamental role as mother’s and protectors of the family. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.58pm BST | |
| 3.56pm BST | |
| 15:56 | |
| Pope Francis finishes speaking | Pope Francis finishes speaking |
| In these remarks I have sought to present some of the richness of your cultural heritage, of the spirit of the American people. It is my desire that this spirit continue to develop and grow, so that as many young people as possible can inherit and dwell in a land which has inspired so many people to dream. | In these remarks I have sought to present some of the richness of your cultural heritage, of the spirit of the American people. It is my desire that this spirit continue to develop and grow, so that as many young people as possible can inherit and dwell in a land which has inspired so many people to dream. |
| He ends: “God bless America!” | He ends: “God bless America!” |
| Updated | |
| at 3.56pm BST | |
| 3.53pm BST | |
| 15:53 | |
| “In particular, I would like to call attention to those family members who are the most vulnerable, the young,” he continues. “For many of them, a future filled with countless possibilities beckons, yet so many others seem disoriented and aimless, trapped in a hopeless maze of violence, abuse and despair.” | “In particular, I would like to call attention to those family members who are the most vulnerable, the young,” he continues. “For many of them, a future filled with countless possibilities beckons, yet so many others seem disoriented and aimless, trapped in a hopeless maze of violence, abuse and despair.” |
| Their problems are our problems. We cannot avoid them. We need to face them together, to talk about them and to seek effective solutions rather than getting bogged down in discussions. At the risk of oversimplifying, we might say that we live in a culture which pressures young people not to start a family, because they lack possibilities for the future. | Their problems are our problems. We cannot avoid them. We need to face them together, to talk about them and to seek effective solutions rather than getting bogged down in discussions. At the risk of oversimplifying, we might say that we live in a culture which pressures young people not to start a family, because they lack possibilities for the future. |
| Yet this same culture presents others with so many options that they too are dissuaded from starting a family. | Yet this same culture presents others with so many options that they too are dissuaded from starting a family. |
| Culture-wars conservatives will like this, a little. But it is still non-specific enough as to not threaten the Left. | Culture-wars conservatives will like this, a little. But it is still non-specific enough as to not threaten the Left. |
| 3.51pm BST | |
| 15:51 | |
| Francis obliquely addresses same-sex marriage and family | Francis obliquely addresses same-sex marriage and family |
| Francis says that he will end his visit to the US in Philadelphia, where he will take part in the World Meeting of Families. “It is my wish that throughout my visit the family should be a recurrent theme,” he says. | Francis says that he will end his visit to the US in Philadelphia, where he will take part in the World Meeting of Families. “It is my wish that throughout my visit the family should be a recurrent theme,” he says. |
| How essential the family has been to the building of this country! And how worthy it remains of our support and encouragement! Yet I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without. | How essential the family has been to the building of this country! And how worthy it remains of our support and encouragement! Yet I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without. |
| This is a section which could be read as throwing a bone in the direction of the Christian right on same-sex marriage - though, in contrast to the directness with which Pope Francis addressed the arms trade, the reference is oblique. | This is a section which could be read as throwing a bone in the direction of the Christian right on same-sex marriage - though, in contrast to the directness with which Pope Francis addressed the arms trade, the reference is oblique. |
| Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family. I can only reiterate the importance and, above all, the richness and the beauty of family life. | Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family. I can only reiterate the importance and, above all, the richness and the beauty of family life. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.56pm BST | |
| 3.49pm BST | |
| 15:49 | |
| Dan Roberts | Dan Roberts |
| More from Dan Roberts, in the Capitol Building: | More from Dan Roberts, in the Capitol Building: |
| The speech is having a remarkable effect on lawmakers as Democrats repeatedly lead Republicans in standing ovations when the Pope enlists moral arguments to support liberal positions. | The speech is having a remarkable effect on lawmakers as Democrats repeatedly lead Republicans in standing ovations when the Pope enlists moral arguments to support liberal positions. |
| On at least four occasions, the floor of the House of Representatives resembled a Mexican wave as Republicans at first resisted the encouragement to applause but decided to stand once it was clear that Democrats were doing so. | On at least four occasions, the floor of the House of Representatives resembled a Mexican wave as Republicans at first resisted the encouragement to applause but decided to stand once it was clear that Democrats were doing so. |
| This was most apparent when Pope Francis quoted from the bible in urging them to do “unto others as you would have them do unto you”. The line was used to support his call for immigration reform, but it must have been hard for many Christian Republicans to risk sitting down during a quote from the scripture. | This was most apparent when Pope Francis quoted from the bible in urging them to do “unto others as you would have them do unto you”. The line was used to support his call for immigration reform, but it must have been hard for many Christian Republicans to risk sitting down during a quote from the scripture. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.50pm BST | |
| 3.49pm BST | |
| 15:49 | |
| 'Money that is drenched in blood': Francis calls for end to arms trade | 'Money that is drenched in blood': Francis calls for end to arms trade |
| From his tacit praise of Obama’s diplomatic efforts - which will likely not make him friends among conservative hawks - Francis turns to the arms trade. | From his tacit praise of Obama’s diplomatic efforts - which will likely not make him friends among conservative hawks - Francis turns to the arms trade. |
| “Being at the service of dialogue and peace also means being truly determined to minimize and, in the long term, to end the many armed conflicts throughout our world,” he says. | “Being at the service of dialogue and peace also means being truly determined to minimize and, in the long term, to end the many armed conflicts throughout our world,” he says. |
| Here we have to ask ourselves: Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? | Here we have to ask ourselves: Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? |
| Here, as before, he does not mince words. | Here, as before, he does not mince words. |
| Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood. In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade. | Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood. In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade. |
| 3.48pm BST | |
| 15:48 | |
| The speech is not getting much love from Rorate Caeli, a conservative Catholic blog, which tweeted out its dissatisfaction that abortion had been “glossed over”. | The speech is not getting much love from Rorate Caeli, a conservative Catholic blog, which tweeted out its dissatisfaction that abortion had been “glossed over”. |
| How sad that the greatest atrocity of the last half century, abortion, gets glossed over at every level, even by the Supreme Pontiff. | How sad that the greatest atrocity of the last half century, abortion, gets glossed over at every level, even by the Supreme Pontiff. |
| 3.47pm BST | |
| 15:47 | |
| Pope Francis celebrates a US that has 'overcome historic differences' – with Cuba and Iran? | Pope Francis celebrates a US that has 'overcome historic differences' – with Cuba and Iran? |
| Turning obliquely to diplomacy, Francis uses his fourth human example: Thomas Merton. | Turning obliquely to diplomacy, Francis uses his fourth human example: Thomas Merton. |
| A Cistertian monk, mystic and poet, Merton belonged to an order of Trappists in Kentucky. Originally born in France, he was a keen proponent of social justice, spirituality, and pacifism, and a prolific writer and essayist who pushed dialogue with Buddhist and Taoist figures and advanced the cause of interfaith understanding. His most famous work is the Seven-Storey Mountain. | A Cistertian monk, mystic and poet, Merton belonged to an order of Trappists in Kentucky. Originally born in France, he was a keen proponent of social justice, spirituality, and pacifism, and a prolific writer and essayist who pushed dialogue with Buddhist and Taoist figures and advanced the cause of interfaith understanding. His most famous work is the Seven-Storey Mountain. |
| The pope quotes from Merton’s autobiography: | The pope quotes from Merton’s autobiography: |
| I came into the world. Free by nature, in the image of God, I was nevertheless the prisoner of my own violence and my own selfishness | I came into the world. Free by nature, in the image of God, I was nevertheless the prisoner of my own violence and my own selfishness |
| From his example, the pope said he wished to appreciate “the efforts made in recent months to help overcome historic differences linked to painful episodes of the past”. He may be alluding to the Iran nuclear deal, or rapprochement with Cuba – in which he was directly involved – or both. | From his example, the pope said he wished to appreciate “the efforts made in recent months to help overcome historic differences linked to painful episodes of the past”. He may be alluding to the Iran nuclear deal, or rapprochement with Cuba – in which he was directly involved – or both. |
| He continues, for the tea-leaf readers: | He continues, for the tea-leaf readers: |
| It is my duty to build bridges and to help all men and women, in any way possible, to do the same. When countries which have been at odds resume the path of dialogue – a dialogue which may have been interrupted for the most legitimate of reasons – new opportunities open up for all. [Applause.] | It is my duty to build bridges and to help all men and women, in any way possible, to do the same. When countries which have been at odds resume the path of dialogue – a dialogue which may have been interrupted for the most legitimate of reasons – new opportunities open up for all. [Applause.] |
| This has required, and requires, courage and daring, which is not the same as irresponsibility. A good political leader is one who, with the interests of all in mind, seizes the moment in a spirit of openness and pragmatism. | This has required, and requires, courage and daring, which is not the same as irresponsibility. A good political leader is one who, with the interests of all in mind, seizes the moment in a spirit of openness and pragmatism. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.52pm BST | |
| 3.43pm BST | |
| 15:43 | |
| Ed Pilkington | Ed Pilkington |
| Guardian US chief reporter Ed Pilkington, who has covered America’s confrontation with capital punishment for years, weighs in on the pope’s call to help abolish it – finally – in this country: | Guardian US chief reporter Ed Pilkington, who has covered America’s confrontation with capital punishment for years, weighs in on the pope’s call to help abolish it – finally – in this country: |
| Pope Francis has just thrown down the gauntlet to the handful of largely southern states who are still actively pursuing the death penalty. He put his challenge in global terms – calling for the worldwide abolition of capital punishment. But his call comes at a particularly sensitive moment in the national debate on the ultimate penalty. | Pope Francis has just thrown down the gauntlet to the handful of largely southern states who are still actively pursuing the death penalty. He put his challenge in global terms – calling for the worldwide abolition of capital punishment. But his call comes at a particularly sensitive moment in the national debate on the ultimate penalty. |
| After the US supreme court gave the go-ahead in June to a controversial new execution drug, several states are now preparing to restart executions; Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia all have executions scheduled before the end of October. | After the US supreme court gave the go-ahead in June to a controversial new execution drug, several states are now preparing to restart executions; Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia all have executions scheduled before the end of October. |
| The pontiff went further than his condemnation of the death penalty. He also made an implicit attack on the US fondness for the sentencing of people to life without parole, which some people call “life means life”. | The pontiff went further than his condemnation of the death penalty. He also made an implicit attack on the US fondness for the sentencing of people to life without parole, which some people call “life means life”. |
| The US is the only country in the world that still sentences juveniles under 18 to the sentence, which essentially commits the individual to remain locked up for their entire natural life. Some 2,500 people are currently serving that sentence for crimes they committed as a child. | The US is the only country in the world that still sentences juveniles under 18 to the sentence, which essentially commits the individual to remain locked up for their entire natural life. Some 2,500 people are currently serving that sentence for crimes they committed as a child. |
| The pope lamented that situation, saying: ‘A just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation.’ | The pope lamented that situation, saying: ‘A just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation.’ |
| Updated | |
| at 3.46pm BST | |
| 3.42pm BST | |
| 15:42 | |
| Francis now calls again for “a courageous and responsible effort to redirect our steps and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity.” | Francis now calls again for “a courageous and responsible effort to redirect our steps and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity.” |
| I am convinced that we can make a difference and I have no doubt that the United States – and this Congress – have an important role to play. Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies, aimed at implementing a ‘culture of care’ and ‘an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.’ | I am convinced that we can make a difference and I have no doubt that the United States – and this Congress – have an important role to play. Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies, aimed at implementing a ‘culture of care’ and ‘an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.’ |
| He says there is a need to “devise intelligent ways of… developing and limiting our power” and that America’s “outstanding academic and research institutions can make a vital contribution.” | He says there is a need to “devise intelligent ways of… developing and limiting our power” and that America’s “outstanding academic and research institutions can make a vital contribution.” |
| 3.41pm BST | |
| 15:41 | |
| Suzanne Goldenberg | Suzanne Goldenberg |
| Environment correspondent Suzanne Goldenberg, who is among climate activists outside the US Capitol, weighs in on this crucial environmental passage from Francis, which is getting tons of applause from Democrats: | Environment correspondent Suzanne Goldenberg, who is among climate activists outside the US Capitol, weighs in on this crucial environmental passage from Francis, which is getting tons of applause from Democrats: |
| The pope appears in Congress one day after his big shout-out for Barack Obama’s clean power plant plan – arguably one of the biggest targets of Republicans in both houses as well as on the presidential campaign trail. | The pope appears in Congress one day after his big shout-out for Barack Obama’s clean power plant plan – arguably one of the biggest targets of Republicans in both houses as well as on the presidential campaign trail. |
| More than half of Republicans in Congress deny the existence of climate change, or oppose government regulations to cut carbon pollution. | More than half of Republicans in Congress deny the existence of climate change, or oppose government regulations to cut carbon pollution. |
| Environmental campaigners had thrilled at the prospect of the Pope reprising his powerful message for climate action from the encyclical in front of Republican Catholics such as house speaker, John Boehner. | Environmental campaigners had thrilled at the prospect of the Pope reprising his powerful message for climate action from the encyclical in front of Republican Catholics such as house speaker, John Boehner. |
| The Pope seems to have avoided the prospect of a direct clash by diving into climate change so deeply in his visit to the White House on Tuesday. But he is still putting on pressure on Congress to act on climate change. It’s been five years since Congress last tried to pass legislation on climate change. | The Pope seems to have avoided the prospect of a direct clash by diving into climate change so deeply in his visit to the White House on Tuesday. But he is still putting on pressure on Congress to act on climate change. It’s been five years since Congress last tried to pass legislation on climate change. |
| The Pope in his speech said it was now time to act. | The Pope in his speech said it was now time to act. |
| “I have no doubt that the United States – and this Congress – have an important role to play,” the Pope said | “I have no doubt that the United States – and this Congress – have an important role to play,” the Pope said |
| It was a lot gentler than his statements in Laudato Si, for Republican ears anyway. But even the slightest mention of the words climate change are awkward for Republicans, who have typically aligned with the Catholic church on social issues such as abortion and same sex marriage. | It was a lot gentler than his statements in Laudato Si, for Republican ears anyway. But even the slightest mention of the words climate change are awkward for Republicans, who have typically aligned with the Catholic church on social issues such as abortion and same sex marriage. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.46pm BST | |
| 3.38pm BST | |
| 15:38 | |
| Pope Francis now turns to Dorothy Day. | Pope Francis now turns to Dorothy Day. |
| Day was an American convert to Catholicism, who advocated for “distributism”, a Catholic economic ideology based on spreading – rather than centralising – the means of production, and holding property rights sacred which has often been seen as a theoretical alternative to both socialism and capitalism. | Day was an American convert to Catholicism, who advocated for “distributism”, a Catholic economic ideology based on spreading – rather than centralising – the means of production, and holding property rights sacred which has often been seen as a theoretical alternative to both socialism and capitalism. |
| A journalist and activist, she was editor of the Catholic Worker newspaper for 47 years and co-founded the pacifist Catholic Worker Movement, a pacifist movement to give aid to the poor and homeless. Her canonization is crurrently being considered by the Catholic Church. | A journalist and activist, she was editor of the Catholic Worker newspaper for 47 years and co-founded the pacifist Catholic Worker Movement, a pacifist movement to give aid to the poor and homeless. Her canonization is crurrently being considered by the Catholic Church. |
| “Her social activism, her passion for justice and for the cause of the oppressed, were inspired by the Gospel, her faith, and the example of the saints,” Francis says. | “Her social activism, her passion for justice and for the cause of the oppressed, were inspired by the Gospel, her faith, and the example of the saints,” Francis says. |
| How much progress has been made in this area in so many parts of the world! How much has been done in these first years of the third millennium to raise people out of extreme poverty! | How much progress has been made in this area in so many parts of the world! How much has been done in these first years of the third millennium to raise people out of extreme poverty! |
| I know that you share my conviction that much more still needs to be done, and that in times of crisis and economic hardship a spirit of global solidarity must not be lost. | I know that you share my conviction that much more still needs to be done, and that in times of crisis and economic hardship a spirit of global solidarity must not be lost. |
| At the same time I would encourage you to keep in mind all those people around us who are trapped in a cycle of poverty. They too need to be given hope. The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts, especially in its causes. I know that many Americans today, as in the past, are working to deal with this problem. | At the same time I would encourage you to keep in mind all those people around us who are trapped in a cycle of poverty. They too need to be given hope. The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts, especially in its causes. I know that many Americans today, as in the past, are working to deal with this problem. |
| It goes without saying that part of this great effort is the creation and distribution of wealth. The right use of natural resources, the proper application of technology and the harnessing of the spirit of enterprise are essential elements of an economy which seeks to be modern, inclusive and sustainable. | It goes without saying that part of this great effort is the creation and distribution of wealth. The right use of natural resources, the proper application of technology and the harnessing of the spirit of enterprise are essential elements of an economy which seeks to be modern, inclusive and sustainable. |
| Pope Francis highlights social activist Dorothy Day in speech to Congress http://t.co/VRxMTVsRvn pic.twitter.com/eZcifcUB9z | Pope Francis highlights social activist Dorothy Day in speech to Congress http://t.co/VRxMTVsRvn pic.twitter.com/eZcifcUB9z |
| Updated | |
| at 3.47pm BST | |
| 3.37pm BST | |
| 15:37 | |
| Big applause for the line about life and the golden rule. | Big applause for the line about life and the golden rule. |
| Something for everyone here except economic conservatives, eh? | Something for everyone here except economic conservatives, eh? |
| Not everyone is happy: | Not everyone is happy: |
| So apologists say Francis can't get specific on abortion, only a vague passing mention. But policy on the death penalty is fine? | So apologists say Francis can't get specific on abortion, only a vague passing mention. But policy on the death penalty is fine? |
| 3.35pm BST | |
| 15:35 | |
| Recently my brother bishops here in the United States renewed their call for the abolition of the death penalty. | Recently my brother bishops here in the United States renewed their call for the abolition of the death penalty. |
| Not only do I support them, but I also offer encouragement to all those who are convinced that a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation. | Not only do I support them, but I also offer encouragement to all those who are convinced that a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.36pm BST | |
| 3.34pm BST | |
| 15:34 | |
| Pope calls on Congress to help abolish the death penalty | Pope calls on Congress to help abolish the death penalty |
| The pontiff’s speech continues to address many of what in ordinary circumstances would be considered “third rails” in American politics. Now, he sets his sights on the death penalty. | The pontiff’s speech continues to address many of what in ordinary circumstances would be considered “third rails” in American politics. Now, he sets his sights on the death penalty. |
| “The Golden Rule” - “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, from Matthew chapter 7, verse 12 - “also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development,” he says. | “The Golden Rule” - “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, from Matthew chapter 7, verse 12 - “also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development,” he says. |
| If this is a hint at abortion, the pontiff does not develop the speech in that direction. Instead, he continues: | If this is a hint at abortion, the pontiff does not develop the speech in that direction. Instead, he continues: |
| This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty. | This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty. |
| I am convinced that this way is the best, since every life is sacred, every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity, and society can only benefit from the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes. | I am convinced that this way is the best, since every life is sacred, every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity, and society can only benefit from the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes. |
| The death penalty in America could reach the US supreme court. The justices are sitting right in front of the pope. | The death penalty in America could reach the US supreme court. The justices are sitting right in front of the pope. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.37pm BST | |
| 3.33pm BST | |
| 15:33 | |
| Stephanie Kirchgaessner | Stephanie Kirchgaessner |
| Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome weighs in on this bold, almost anti-Trump immigration language from Francis: | Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome weighs in on this bold, almost anti-Trump immigration language from Francis: |
| Pope Francis is not mentioning any politicians by name, but certainly his comments could be seen as an antidote to the anti-immigrant rhetoric that has consumed the Republican presidential campaign, particularly in remarks by current frontrunner Donald Trump. | Pope Francis is not mentioning any politicians by name, but certainly his comments could be seen as an antidote to the anti-immigrant rhetoric that has consumed the Republican presidential campaign, particularly in remarks by current frontrunner Donald Trump. |
| The pope spoke of two crises: the refugee crisis in Europe, where tens of thousands of migrants and refugees who have escaped war and other hardships are seeking asylum, and the efforts of ‘thousands of persons’ in the US who have travelled north ‘in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones’. | The pope spoke of two crises: the refugee crisis in Europe, where tens of thousands of migrants and refugees who have escaped war and other hardships are seeking asylum, and the efforts of ‘thousands of persons’ in the US who have travelled north ‘in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones’. |
| Francis has always sought to humanize those who live on the margins of society and who he often says are seen as disposable. In a debate that has been consumed by questions of what immigrants take from the country, Francis sought to portray these immigrants as people who have been shaped by circumstances, but are not different from anyone else. | Francis has always sought to humanize those who live on the margins of society and who he often says are seen as disposable. In a debate that has been consumed by questions of what immigrants take from the country, Francis sought to portray these immigrants as people who have been shaped by circumstances, but are not different from anyone else. |
| ‘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. | ‘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. |
| Francis called on lawmakers to ‘respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal. We need to avoid a common temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves troublesome’. | Francis called on lawmakers to ‘respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal. We need to avoid a common temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves troublesome’. |
| Immigration, he suggested, needs to be seen through the prism of our shared humanity, not our differences. | Immigration, he suggested, needs to be seen through the prism of our shared humanity, not our differences. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.34pm BST | |
| 3.31pm BST | |
| 15:31 | |
| 'Travel north': Francis addresses US immigration and European migration crisis | 'Travel north': Francis addresses US immigration and European migration crisis |
| Now the pontiff returns to one of American politics’ third rails - immigration. His language that could not be stronger. | Now the pontiff returns to one of American politics’ third rails - immigration. His language that could not be stronger. |
| Our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War. | Our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War. |
| He continues, delicately: | He continues, delicately: |
| On this continent, too, thousands of persons are led to travel north in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities. | On this continent, too, thousands of persons are led to travel north in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities. |
| Is this not what we want for our own children? | Is this not what we want for our own children? |
| Applause there. | Applause there. |
| 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. | 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. |
| To respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal. | To respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal. |
| This is language that many listening today have been waiting to hear from a presidential candidate. | This is language that many listening today have been waiting to hear from a presidential candidate. |
| We need to avoid a common temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves troublesome. Let us remember the Golden Rule: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ | We need to avoid a common temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves troublesome. Let us remember the Golden Rule: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ |
| 3.28pm BST | |
| 15:28 | |
| Pope's "We the people of this continent are not fearful of foreigners" elicits applause at first only from Democrats. GOP rises eventually. | Pope's "We the people of this continent are not fearful of foreigners" elicits applause at first only from Democrats. GOP rises eventually. |
| 3.26pm BST | |
| 15:26 | |
| Francis addresses immigration in America, 'a land of dreams' | Francis addresses immigration in America, 'a land of dreams' |
| Pope Francis now turns to talk about Martin Luther King, whose “dream” – applause there – he says “continues to inspire us all”. | Pope Francis now turns to talk about Martin Luther King, whose “dream” – applause there – he says “continues to inspire us all”. |
| I am happy that America continues to be, for many, a land of ‘dreams’. | I am happy that America continues to be, for many, a land of ‘dreams’. |
| A standing ovation there, as so-called ‘Dreamers’ are a key constituency of undocumented immigrants here in the States. | A standing ovation there, as so-called ‘Dreamers’ are a key constituency of undocumented immigrants here in the States. |
| Dreams which lead to action, to participation, to commitment. Dreams which awaken what is deepest and truest in the life of a people. | Dreams which lead to action, to participation, to commitment. Dreams which awaken what is deepest and truest in the life of a people. |
| But now his speech turns more biting, knowing he is speaking during an election campaign where rhetoric about immigration has been vicious and unbounded. | But now his speech turns more biting, knowing he is speaking during an election campaign where rhetoric about immigration has been vicious and unbounded. |
| In recent centuries, millions of people came to this land to pursue their dream of building a future in freedom. We, the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners. | In recent centuries, millions of people came to this land to pursue their dream of building a future in freedom. We, the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners. |
| Rollicking applause. | Rollicking applause. |
| I say this to you as the son of immigrants, knowing that so many of you are also descended from immigrants. | I say this to you as the son of immigrants, knowing that so many of you are also descended from immigrants. |
| 3.23pm BST | |
| 15:23 | |
| From crises abroad, Pope Francis now turns his attention to crises at home – especially social and economic injustices. | From crises abroad, Pope Francis now turns his attention to crises at home – especially social and economic injustices. |
| “Even in the developed world, the effects of unjust structures and actions are all too apparent,” he says. “Our efforts must aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples.” | “Even in the developed world, the effects of unjust structures and actions are all too apparent,” he says. “Our efforts must aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples.” |
| He talks of “new global forms of slavery, born of grave injustices which can be overcome only through new policies and new forms of social consensus”. | He talks of “new global forms of slavery, born of grave injustices which can be overcome only through new policies and new forms of social consensus”. |
| Politics is, the pontiff says, “an expression of our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one the greatest common good: that of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share, in justice and peace, its goods, its interests, its social life”. | Politics is, the pontiff says, “an expression of our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one the greatest common good: that of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share, in justice and peace, its goods, its interests, its social life”. |
| “I do not underestimate the difficulty that this involves,” he adds, “but I encourage you in this effort.” | “I do not underestimate the difficulty that this involves,” he adds, “but I encourage you in this effort.” |
| 3.21pm BST | |
| 15:21 | |
| Speaker Boehner tears up as Pope Francis begins his address http://t.co/Zrrr6SmW8R pic.twitter.com/b9z8F4uWQo | Speaker Boehner tears up as Pope Francis begins his address http://t.co/Zrrr6SmW8R pic.twitter.com/b9z8F4uWQo |
| 3.19pm BST | |
| 15:19 | |
| Francis calls on Congress to avoid 'polarization' in confronting extremism | Francis calls on Congress to avoid 'polarization' in confronting extremism |
| Now Pope Francis begins to get politically charged, turning from Lincoln to religious extremism and fundamentalism. | Now Pope Francis begins to get politically charged, turning from Lincoln to religious extremism and fundamentalism. |
| He says: “All of us are quite aware of, and deeply worried by, the disturbing social and political situation of the world today.” | He says: “All of us are quite aware of, and deeply worried by, the disturbing social and political situation of the world today.” |
| Francis continues: | Francis continues: |
| Our world is increasingly a place of violent conflict, hatred and brutal atrocities, committed even in the name of God and of religion. We know that no religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism. This means that we must be especially attentive to every type of fundamentalism, whether religious or of any other kind. | Our world is increasingly a place of violent conflict, hatred and brutal atrocities, committed even in the name of God and of religion. We know that no religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism. This means that we must be especially attentive to every type of fundamentalism, whether religious or of any other kind. |
| In a turn of phrase which is especially poignant in a legislative chamber which often turns to such rhetoric, he hits out at ideologies painted in divisive terms: | In a turn of phrase which is especially poignant in a legislative chamber which often turns to such rhetoric, he hits out at ideologies painted in divisive terms: |
| A delicate balance is required to combat violence perpetrated in the name of a religion, an ideology or an economic system, while also safeguarding religious freedom, intellectual freedom and individual freedoms. [Applause.] | A delicate balance is required to combat violence perpetrated in the name of a religion, an ideology or an economic system, while also safeguarding religious freedom, intellectual freedom and individual freedoms. [Applause.] |
| But there is another temptation which we must especially guard against: the simplistic reductionism which sees only good or evil; or, if you will, the righteous and sinners. The contemporary world, with its open wounds which affect so many of our brothers and sisters, demands that we confront every form of polarization which would divide it into these two camps. | But there is another temptation which we must especially guard against: the simplistic reductionism which sees only good or evil; or, if you will, the righteous and sinners. The contemporary world, with its open wounds which affect so many of our brothers and sisters, demands that we confront every form of polarization which would divide it into these two camps. |
| We know that in the attempt to be freed of enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within. To imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place. That is something which you, as people, reject. [Applause.] | We know that in the attempt to be freed of enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within. To imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place. That is something which you, as people, reject. [Applause.] |
| He says that the response must be one of “hope and healing, of peace and justice”. | He says that the response must be one of “hope and healing, of peace and justice”. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.24pm BST | |
| 3.16pm BST | |
| 15:16 | |
| Slightly awkward pause in the chamber as they don't immediately recognise a papal applause line. The Pope's accent is very hard to follow. | Slightly awkward pause in the chamber as they don't immediately recognise a papal applause line. The Pope's accent is very hard to follow. |
| 3.15pm BST | |
| 15:15 | |
| Dan Roberts | Dan Roberts |
| Some early colour from Dan Roberts, at the Capitol: | Some early colour from Dan Roberts, at the Capitol: |
| The sight of Pope Francis before an audience more typically seen for the president’s State of the Union address contrasted starkly with the more divisive speech given to Congress by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this year. | The sight of Pope Francis before an audience more typically seen for the president’s State of the Union address contrasted starkly with the more divisive speech given to Congress by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this year. |
| That was boycotted by a number of Democrats who accused him of improper intervention in domestic politics by urging them to block the White House Iran deal, but Francis was warmly received on both sides of the aisle. | That was boycotted by a number of Democrats who accused him of improper intervention in domestic politics by urging them to block the White House Iran deal, but Francis was warmly received on both sides of the aisle. |
| As he entered the room to a standing ovation, he paused briefly to shake hands with secretary of state John Kerry and Republican speaker John Boehner. Only Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative Catholic, was noticeable by his absence. | As he entered the room to a standing ovation, he paused briefly to shake hands with secretary of state John Kerry and Republican speaker John Boehner. Only Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative Catholic, was noticeable by his absence. |
| Speaking slowly in heavily-accented English that was at times hard to follow, Francis swiftly brought the audience to its feet by celebrating “the land of the free and the home of the brave”, but appeared to stick closely to a pre-prepared text. | Speaking slowly in heavily-accented English that was at times hard to follow, Francis swiftly brought the audience to its feet by celebrating “the land of the free and the home of the brave”, but appeared to stick closely to a pre-prepared text. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.18pm BST | |
| 3.14pm BST | |
| 15:14 | |
| The Pope talks about four “great Americans” who “shaped fundamental values which will endure forever in the spirit of the American people.” | The Pope talks about four “great Americans” who “shaped fundamental values which will endure forever in the spirit of the American people.” |
| Those four, he says, are: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. | Those four, he says, are: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. |
| Day was an American journalist, theorist, and activist for the poor and needy; Merton was a Catholic mystic and poet, a prolific author, and Trappist monk in Kentucky - both are important figures in American Catholicism. | Day was an American journalist, theorist, and activist for the poor and needy; Merton was a Catholic mystic and poet, a prolific author, and Trappist monk in Kentucky - both are important figures in American Catholicism. |
| 3.12pm BST | |
| 15:12 | |
| I would like to take this opportunity to dialogue with the many thousands of men and women who strive each day to do an honest day’s work, to bring home their daily bread, to save money and –one step at a time – to build a better life for their families. | I would like to take this opportunity to dialogue with the many thousands of men and women who strive each day to do an honest day’s work, to bring home their daily bread, to save money and –one step at a time – to build a better life for their families. |
| These are men and women who are not concerned simply with paying their taxes, but in their own quiet way sustain the life of society. They generate solidarity by their actions, and they create organizations which offer a helping hand to those most in need. | These are men and women who are not concerned simply with paying their taxes, but in their own quiet way sustain the life of society. They generate solidarity by their actions, and they create organizations which offer a helping hand to those most in need. |
| Listen up! #PopeFrancis tells Congress his speech is part of dialogue with all people of US. pic.twitter.com/GLeQTqqSPr | Listen up! #PopeFrancis tells Congress his speech is part of dialogue with all people of US. pic.twitter.com/GLeQTqqSPr |
| Francis wants to address, he says, the many elderly persons who are “a storehouse of wisdom forged by experience,” and young people who, he says, “face difficult situations, often as a result of immaturity on the part of many adults.” | Francis wants to address, he says, the many elderly persons who are “a storehouse of wisdom forged by experience,” and young people who, he says, “face difficult situations, often as a result of immaturity on the part of many adults.” |
| “I wish to dialogue with all of you, and I would like to do so through the historical memory of your people.” | “I wish to dialogue with all of you, and I would like to do so through the historical memory of your people.” |
| 3.10pm BST | |
| 15:10 | |
| Updated | |
| at 3.12pm BST | |
| 3.10pm BST | |
| 15:10 | |
| Now, Francis widens his scope. | Now, Francis widens his scope. |
| Today I would like not only to address you, but through you the entire people of the United States. Here, together with their representatives, I would like to take this opportunity to dialogue with the many thousands of men and women who strive each day to do an honest day’s work, to bring home their daily bread, to save money and –one step at a time – to build a better life for their families. | Today I would like not only to address you, but through you the entire people of the United States. Here, together with their representatives, I would like to take this opportunity to dialogue with the many thousands of men and women who strive each day to do an honest day’s work, to bring home their daily bread, to save money and –one step at a time – to build a better life for their families. |
| Many of those thousands are outside. | Many of those thousands are outside. |
| WATCH LIVE: Pope Francis heads to Capitol Hill to address Congress http://t.co/y9kAUDmwIq #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/7TYmtbqWDZ | WATCH LIVE: Pope Francis heads to Capitol Hill to address Congress http://t.co/y9kAUDmwIq #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/7TYmtbqWDZ |
| Updated | |
| at 3.10pm BST | |
| 3.08pm BST | |
| 15:08 | |
| He addresses the legislators directly and talks about their weighty responsibility. | He addresses the legislators directly and talks about their weighty responsibility. |
| You are the face of its people, their representatives. You are called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics. | You are the face of its people, their representatives. You are called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics. |
| A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk. Legislative activity is always based on care for the people. To this you have been invited, called and convened by those who elected you. | A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk. Legislative activity is always based on care for the people. To this you have been invited, called and convened by those who elected you. |
| “Yours is a work,” he continues, “which makes me reflect in two ways on the figure of Moses.” | “Yours is a work,” he continues, “which makes me reflect in two ways on the figure of Moses.” |
| #PopeInDC thx #USCongress for invitation to address "land of the free, home of the brave." HUGE applause pic.twitter.com/sHr5zmS1rK | #PopeInDC thx #USCongress for invitation to address "land of the free, home of the brave." HUGE applause pic.twitter.com/sHr5zmS1rK |
| 3.07pm BST | |
| 15:07 | |
| #BREAKING #PopeFrancis addressing Congress right now WATCH LIVE http://t.co/7lewXmODNi pic.twitter.com/T71bgm0hI6 | #BREAKING #PopeFrancis addressing Congress right now WATCH LIVE http://t.co/7lewXmODNi pic.twitter.com/T71bgm0hI6 |
| 3.06pm BST | |
| 15:06 | |
| I would like to think that the reason for this is that I too am a son of this great continent, from which we have all received so much and toward which we share a common responsibility. | I would like to think that the reason for this is that I too am a son of this great continent, from which we have all received so much and toward which we share a common responsibility. |
| 3.05pm BST | |
| 15:05 | |
| Here’s Francis: | Here’s Francis: |
| “I am most grateful for your invitation to address this Joint Session of Congress in ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave’,” he begins. | “I am most grateful for your invitation to address this Joint Session of Congress in ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave’,” he begins. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.06pm BST | |
| 3.04pm BST | |
| 15:04 | |
| Pope Francis has arrived to give his speech before Congress. #PopeInUS pic.twitter.com/BveVVZShd1 | Pope Francis has arrived to give his speech before Congress. #PopeInUS pic.twitter.com/BveVVZShd1 |
| 3.04pm BST | |
| 15:04 | |
| Pope Francis has arrived to address the joint meeting of Congress #PopeInDC http://t.co/mLUguEmxon pic.twitter.com/nNEcTeXzLq | Pope Francis has arrived to address the joint meeting of Congress #PopeInDC http://t.co/mLUguEmxon pic.twitter.com/nNEcTeXzLq |
| 3.04pm BST | |
| 15:04 | |
| Pope Francis has entered the chamber to rapturous applause. | Pope Francis has entered the chamber to rapturous applause. |
| "Mr. Speaker, the pope of the Holy See." #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/KJOEX8KZ5O | "Mr. Speaker, the pope of the Holy See." #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/KJOEX8KZ5O |
| Pope Francis enters the House Chamber, shakes hands with Secretary of State John Kerry. Watch: … pic.twitter.com/1xhMqmg0gU | Pope Francis enters the House Chamber, shakes hands with Secretary of State John Kerry. Watch: … pic.twitter.com/1xhMqmg0gU |
| Updated | |
| at 3.08pm BST | |
| 3.02pm BST | |
| 15:02 | |
| Pope Francis enters the House for historic address | Pope Francis enters the House for historic address |
| In case you’re just joining the 12 of us here on the Guardian’s sixth day of live coverage for the pope’s visit to the Americas, this speech is a massive deal. | In case you’re just joining the 12 of us here on the Guardian’s sixth day of live coverage for the pope’s visit to the Americas, this speech is a massive deal. |
| No pope has ever addressed the US Congress in its own house. With Republicans in control, there are bound to be tense moments. | No pope has ever addressed the US Congress in its own house. With Republicans in control, there are bound to be tense moments. |
| My colleague Stephanie Kirchgaessner, our Rome correspondent who has been watching the politics of this papacy, offers some important context as Francis walks into the seat of American power – and prepares to challenge it on policy. | My colleague Stephanie Kirchgaessner, our Rome correspondent who has been watching the politics of this papacy, offers some important context as Francis walks into the seat of American power – and prepares to challenge it on policy. |
| This pope is focused on a few key issues: the environment, poverty and taking care of those who live on the margins of society. He may talk about America’s unique role and responsibility as a superpower and will probably describe the importance of diplomacy and dialogue, especially with regard to Cuba and Iran. | This pope is focused on a few key issues: the environment, poverty and taking care of those who live on the margins of society. He may talk about America’s unique role and responsibility as a superpower and will probably describe the importance of diplomacy and dialogue, especially with regard to Cuba and Iran. |
| Immigration is sure to be a big theme, and the many other possibilities include the drug war and the migrant crisis in Europe. | Immigration is sure to be a big theme, and the many other possibilities include the drug war and the migrant crisis in Europe. |
| He will not want to alienate Republicans in the audience, but nor will he bypass the critical topic of global warming in front of such an influential crowd. | He will not want to alienate Republicans in the audience, but nor will he bypass the critical topic of global warming in front of such an influential crowd. |
| Related: Pope Francis's address to Congress: how's his English? And will Boehner cry? | Related: Pope Francis's address to Congress: how's his English? And will Boehner cry? |
| 3.01pm BST | |
| 15:01 | |
| It is interesting to note that Antonin Scalia, a Catholic and the most conservative member of the Supreme Court, is absent from the chamber today. Four of his colleagues are there. | It is interesting to note that Antonin Scalia, a Catholic and the most conservative member of the Supreme Court, is absent from the chamber today. Four of his colleagues are there. |
| Shocked that Scalia and Alito did not come. Seriously? | Shocked that Scalia and Alito did not come. Seriously? |
| 3.00pm BST | |
| 15:00 | |
| Ben Jacobs | Ben Jacobs |
| Presidential candidate Ben Carson is in the Capitol for the Pope’s speech this morning as a guest of South Carolina Republican Mark Sanford, reports Ben Jacobs. | Presidential candidate Ben Carson is in the Capitol for the Pope’s speech this morning as a guest of South Carolina Republican Mark Sanford, reports Ben Jacobs. |
| Carson, who is polling just behind Donald Trump among Republican primary voters, will be in the gallery watching the pontiff’s address. The former neurosurgeon has recently been the subject of controversy for claiming that a Muslim should not serve as president. | Carson, who is polling just behind Donald Trump among Republican primary voters, will be in the gallery watching the pontiff’s address. The former neurosurgeon has recently been the subject of controversy for claiming that a Muslim should not serve as president. |
| His host is no stranger to controversy either. Sanford was embroiled in scandal in 2009 when serving as governor of South Carolina when he disappeared for a week. Sanford’s staffers claimed he was “hiking the Appalachian Trail”. It turned out the then-governor of South Carolina was in Argentina visiting his mistress. | His host is no stranger to controversy either. Sanford was embroiled in scandal in 2009 when serving as governor of South Carolina when he disappeared for a week. Sanford’s staffers claimed he was “hiking the Appalachian Trail”. It turned out the then-governor of South Carolina was in Argentina visiting his mistress. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.01pm BST | |
| 2.59pm BST | |
| 14:59 | |
| Press except for photographers barred from taking photos in House chamber. But lots of members snapping away with their phones on floor | Press except for photographers barred from taking photos in House chamber. But lots of members snapping away with their phones on floor |
| 2.54pm BST | |
| 14:54 | |
| The pope is not only an iconoclast when it comes to politics. He’s also showing scant regard for American traditions ... | The pope is not only an iconoclast when it comes to politics. He’s also showing scant regard for American traditions ... |
| I can't believe the pope wore white after Labor Day. | I can't believe the pope wore white after Labor Day. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.58pm BST | |
| 2.53pm BST | |
| 14:53 | |
| Dan Roberts | Dan Roberts |
| DC bureau chief Dan Roberts just spotted New Jersey governor and prospective Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie in the gallery. | DC bureau chief Dan Roberts just spotted New Jersey governor and prospective Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie in the gallery. |
| Floor of House crowded, Senators and reps waiting for @Pontifex to be introduced in. #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/O6L8co2C7z | Floor of House crowded, Senators and reps waiting for @Pontifex to be introduced in. #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/O6L8co2C7z |
| 2.47pm BST | |
| 14:47 | |
| Ben Jacobs | Ben Jacobs |
| One Republican congressman, Paul Gosar of Arizona, is boycotting Pope Francis’s address to Congress because of the pontiff’s views on climate change, says the Guardian’s Ben Jacobs. Gosar said: | One Republican congressman, Paul Gosar of Arizona, is boycotting Pope Francis’s address to Congress because of the pontiff’s views on climate change, says the Guardian’s Ben Jacobs. Gosar said: |
| This climate change talk has adopted all of the socialist talking points, wrapped false science and ideology into ‘climate justice’ and is being presented to guilt people into leftist policies ... If the Pope wants to devote his life to fighting climate change then he can do so in his personal time. | This climate change talk has adopted all of the socialist talking points, wrapped false science and ideology into ‘climate justice’ and is being presented to guilt people into leftist policies ... If the Pope wants to devote his life to fighting climate change then he can do so in his personal time. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.53pm BST | |
| 2.45pm BST | |
| 14:45 | |
| Interesting spot from my colleague Angela Bruno: | Interesting spot from my colleague Angela Bruno: |
| Jorge Ramos, the Emmy-award winning journalist and Univision anchor who has more recently made headlines for his verbal scuffle with Donald Trump over immigration issues, dishes out both praise and criticism for the Pope in an opinion piece entitled, “A Sinner Pope.” | Jorge Ramos, the Emmy-award winning journalist and Univision anchor who has more recently made headlines for his verbal scuffle with Donald Trump over immigration issues, dishes out both praise and criticism for the Pope in an opinion piece entitled, “A Sinner Pope.” |
| While the Pope has been painted by many as progressive, liberal or even radical, Ramos thinks otherwise – suggesting the Pope is hardly willing to make any real hard-hitting change and highlights the issues the Pontiff has failed to address thus far: | While the Pope has been painted by many as progressive, liberal or even radical, Ramos thinks otherwise – suggesting the Pope is hardly willing to make any real hard-hitting change and highlights the issues the Pontiff has failed to address thus far: |
| “The pope’s humbleness, simplicity and accessibility don’t necessarily mean that he’s going to make deep changes in Catholic doctrine. Despite his liberal stances, Pope Francis is hardly a radical. And so far, his changes are all about style, not substance. | “The pope’s humbleness, simplicity and accessibility don’t necessarily mean that he’s going to make deep changes in Catholic doctrine. Despite his liberal stances, Pope Francis is hardly a radical. And so far, his changes are all about style, not substance. |
| “While he has been celebrated in the media as a religious leader who is refreshingly open to change, Francis still refuses to allow women into the priesthood, do away with the requirement that priests be celibate, embrace gay marriage or approve the usage of contraceptives for 1.2 billion Catholics in the world. | “While he has been celebrated in the media as a religious leader who is refreshingly open to change, Francis still refuses to allow women into the priesthood, do away with the requirement that priests be celibate, embrace gay marriage or approve the usage of contraceptives for 1.2 billion Catholics in the world. |
| “And with regard to the sex abuse scandal, Francis hasn’t dared point a finger at those within the church who covered up for criminals. It’s true that unlike his two predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, Francis has imposed a zero-tolerance policy with regard to sexual abuse, but many of the bishops and cardinals who knew for decades about crimes committed against minors remain in their posts.” | “And with regard to the sex abuse scandal, Francis hasn’t dared point a finger at those within the church who covered up for criminals. It’s true that unlike his two predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, Francis has imposed a zero-tolerance policy with regard to sexual abuse, but many of the bishops and cardinals who knew for decades about crimes committed against minors remain in their posts.” |
| Read the full story here. | Read the full story here. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.47pm BST | |
| 2.35pm BST | |
| 14:35 | |
| CNN’s commentator just boasted about meeting three popes. But former speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi is out-bragging him. | CNN’s commentator just boasted about meeting three popes. But former speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi is out-bragging him. |
| I keep a folder w photos of my papal visits - the first at age 14 when I met Pope Pius XII at the Vatican. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/zKN1NfeB2b | I keep a folder w photos of my papal visits - the first at age 14 when I met Pope Pius XII at the Vatican. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/zKN1NfeB2b |
| My husband Paul and I were so honored to greet Pope John Paul II when he visited SF in the late 1980s. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/KjyijCCCnk | My husband Paul and I were so honored to greet Pope John Paul II when he visited SF in the late 1980s. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/KjyijCCCnk |
| 2.32pm BST | |
| 14:32 | |
| Lauren is in the crowd. | Lauren is in the crowd. |
| Light cheering when the pope arrived, but everyone is silent to hear @SpeakerBoehner | Light cheering when the pope arrived, but everyone is silent to hear @SpeakerBoehner |
| While we wait for the address to begin ... pic.twitter.com/9r5MXmFngs | While we wait for the address to begin ... pic.twitter.com/9r5MXmFngs |
| 2.27pm BST | |
| 14:27 | |
| Pope Francis compliments Boehner on his green tie, saying it is “the color of hope,” according to the Associated Press’s Trisha Thomas. | Pope Francis compliments Boehner on his green tie, saying it is “the color of hope,” according to the Associated Press’s Trisha Thomas. |
| Sharing a little chuckle before chucking photgs out of the room. @SpeakerBoehner and #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/9pMIEGuOYW | Sharing a little chuckle before chucking photgs out of the room. @SpeakerBoehner and #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/9pMIEGuOYW |
| 2.26pm BST | |
| 14:26 | |
| A huge crowd is now gathered outside the Capitol building, which is still shrouded in scaffolding. | A huge crowd is now gathered outside the Capitol building, which is still shrouded in scaffolding. |
| 2.22pm BST | |
| 14:22 | |
| Speaker Boehner greets the pope in the speaker’s ceremonial office. | Speaker Boehner greets the pope in the speaker’s ceremonial office. |
| "Your Holiness, welcome!" @SpeakerBoehner greets #PopeInDc. pic.twitter.com/qyKXLVUreB | "Your Holiness, welcome!" @SpeakerBoehner greets #PopeInDc. pic.twitter.com/qyKXLVUreB |
| 2.20pm BST | |
| 14:20 | |
| CNN points out that sitting behind the Pope as he addresses the joint session of Congress in just under an hour will be two Catholics: Speaker Boehner, and of course vice-president Joe Biden, the first Catholic ever to hold the office. | CNN points out that sitting behind the Pope as he addresses the joint session of Congress in just under an hour will be two Catholics: Speaker Boehner, and of course vice-president Joe Biden, the first Catholic ever to hold the office. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.37pm BST | |
| 2.16pm BST | |
| 14:16 | |
| Pope Francis arrives at the US Capitol | Pope Francis arrives at the US Capitol |
| In what is becoming his trademark humble black Fiat 500, the pontiff has just arrived at the US Capitol building. | In what is becoming his trademark humble black Fiat 500, the pontiff has just arrived at the US Capitol building. |
| #PopeInDC arriving at U.S. Capitol for historic speech to joint meeting of Congress. pic.twitter.com/89VburVESs | #PopeInDC arriving at U.S. Capitol for historic speech to joint meeting of Congress. pic.twitter.com/89VburVESs |
| 2.10pm BST | |
| 14:10 | |
| The Guardian’s US environment correspondent Suzanne Goldenberg is with a group of climate protesters outside the Capitol building waiting to hear Pope Francis speak. | The Guardian’s US environment correspondent Suzanne Goldenberg is with a group of climate protesters outside the Capitol building waiting to hear Pope Francis speak. |
| Waiting for @Pontifex speech to Congress, with climate camp pic.twitter.com/wJikrUU6xQ | Waiting for @Pontifex speech to Congress, with climate camp pic.twitter.com/wJikrUU6xQ |
| 2.05pm BST | |
| 14:05 | |
| At 9.25am eastern time (1.25pm GMT) Speaker of the House John Boehner is scheduled to have a one-on-one with Pope Francis in his ceremonial office. | At 9.25am eastern time (1.25pm GMT) Speaker of the House John Boehner is scheduled to have a one-on-one with Pope Francis in his ceremonial office. |
| Ceremonial Speaker's Office where Boehner will have audience with Pope Francis just off House Flr. #PopeFrancisDC pic.twitter.com/6gIfjrNkKx | Ceremonial Speaker's Office where Boehner will have audience with Pope Francis just off House Flr. #PopeFrancisDC pic.twitter.com/6gIfjrNkKx |
| Updated | |
| at 2.37pm BST | |
| 1.58pm BST | |
| 13:58 | |
| This is interesting by the Pew Research Center on the religious affiliations of the US Congress: | This is interesting by the Pew Research Center on the religious affiliations of the US Congress: |
| Francis addresses today. Here's the religious affiliations of lawmakers http://t.co/E6xvqBbRRO pic.twitter.com/e9PcMlHhsC | Francis addresses today. Here's the religious affiliations of lawmakers http://t.co/E6xvqBbRRO pic.twitter.com/e9PcMlHhsC |
| 1.57pm BST | |
| 13:57 | |
| Pope Francis prepares to head to the Capitol | Pope Francis prepares to head to the Capitol |
| He has left the Nunciature - the Vatican embassy - as he heads to his motorcade to travel to the Capitol. | He has left the Nunciature - the Vatican embassy - as he heads to his motorcade to travel to the Capitol. |
| Pope Francis greets and blesses kids as he emerges from Nunciature for motorcade to the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/wuBNLhi0vO | Pope Francis greets and blesses kids as he emerges from Nunciature for motorcade to the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/wuBNLhi0vO |
| 1.54pm BST | |
| 13:54 | |
| The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino is on the West Lawn of the US Capitol. | The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino is on the West Lawn of the US Capitol. |
| Lots of excitement ! pic.twitter.com/6oPPeMDW4q | Lots of excitement ! pic.twitter.com/6oPPeMDW4q |
| She sends this dispatch: | She sends this dispatch: |
| Ada Bermejo of DREAMers Moms walked to Washington DC from York, Pennsylvania, as party of pilggramge to the nation’s capital to see the pope and draw attention to the immigrants’ plight. | Ada Bermejo of DREAMers Moms walked to Washington DC from York, Pennsylvania, as party of pilggramge to the nation’s capital to see the pope and draw attention to the immigrants’ plight. |
| “We brought our stories and experiences as immigrants to Washington,” she said. | “We brought our stories and experiences as immigrants to Washington,” she said. |
| Bermejo immigrated to the U.S. Illegally from Argentina in 2001. Her three children all qualify for temporary legal status under DACA, the program that defers deportation for those brought to the U.S. As children. Bermejo said she wouldn’t qualify under DAPA, the program that defers action for the parents of US citizens, because her children were not born here. The program has been held up in court. | Bermejo immigrated to the U.S. Illegally from Argentina in 2001. Her three children all qualify for temporary legal status under DACA, the program that defers deportation for those brought to the U.S. As children. Bermejo said she wouldn’t qualify under DAPA, the program that defers action for the parents of US citizens, because her children were not born here. The program has been held up in court. |
| DREAMers Moms stood outside the entrance to the Capitol’s west lawn holding a sign that says “Be our voice. Immigration reform.” | DREAMers Moms stood outside the entrance to the Capitol’s west lawn holding a sign that says “Be our voice. Immigration reform.” |
| Bermejo hopes Congress will listen carefully to the pope’s message on Thursday and finally pass the long-promised comprehensive immigration reform. | Bermejo hopes Congress will listen carefully to the pope’s message on Thursday and finally pass the long-promised comprehensive immigration reform. |
| “We want Pope Francis to be our voice,” she said, “Because we are here and we are not going anywhere. | “We want Pope Francis to be our voice,” she said, “Because we are here and we are not going anywhere. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.09pm BST | |
| 1.52pm BST | |
| 13:52 | |
| The House just gavelled in after morning prayer, reports Dan Roberts at the Capitol. | The House just gavelled in after morning prayer, reports Dan Roberts at the Capitol. |
| Congressmen were reminded not to try to sneak their staff with them onto the floor. “regulations will be strictly enforced” | Congressmen were reminded not to try to sneak their staff with them onto the floor. “regulations will be strictly enforced” |
| 1.48pm BST | |
| 13:48 | |
| More from Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome: | More from Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome: |
| It is important to put this moment in historical context, which will not be lost on some of the Catholic politicians who will be sitting in the gallery. The US has a long history of anti-Catholic bigotry, which was fuelled by white protestants in the 20th century by groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which saw the faith as a threat to American democracy. By the beginning of the 20th century, noted James Martin in America magazine, one-sixth of the population in the US was Catholic, but Catholicism was not really assimilated into society until the 1950s and 1960s. | It is important to put this moment in historical context, which will not be lost on some of the Catholic politicians who will be sitting in the gallery. The US has a long history of anti-Catholic bigotry, which was fuelled by white protestants in the 20th century by groups like the Ku Klux Klan, which saw the faith as a threat to American democracy. By the beginning of the 20th century, noted James Martin in America magazine, one-sixth of the population in the US was Catholic, but Catholicism was not really assimilated into society until the 1950s and 1960s. |
| And yet, it would have been unheard of for a pope to speak before Congress. When John F Kennedy, the only Catholic president in US history, was running for office, he had to give a now-famous speech to a group of protestant ministers in which he reaffirmed that he was not a “Catholic candidate”, but the Democratic candidate who happened to be Catholic, and one that would not take orders from his church. | And yet, it would have been unheard of for a pope to speak before Congress. When John F Kennedy, the only Catholic president in US history, was running for office, he had to give a now-famous speech to a group of protestant ministers in which he reaffirmed that he was not a “Catholic candidate”, but the Democratic candidate who happened to be Catholic, and one that would not take orders from his church. |
| Given today’s events, it is somewhat ironic that Kennedy urged his audience at the time to consider the “real issues” of the day, including the “spread of communist influence until it now festers only 90 miles from the coast of Florida”. The speech would become a model for other candidates whose personal biographies were considered “different”, including candidate Barack Obama’s “A More Perfect Union” speech on race in 2008 and Republican Mitt Romney’s speech on his Mormon faith in his first run for president in 2007. | Given today’s events, it is somewhat ironic that Kennedy urged his audience at the time to consider the “real issues” of the day, including the “spread of communist influence until it now festers only 90 miles from the coast of Florida”. The speech would become a model for other candidates whose personal biographies were considered “different”, including candidate Barack Obama’s “A More Perfect Union” speech on race in 2008 and Republican Mitt Romney’s speech on his Mormon faith in his first run for president in 2007. |
| You can watch Kennedy’s historic speech here. | You can watch Kennedy’s historic speech here. |
| 1.29pm BST | |
| 13:29 | |
| Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner, who will welcome Pope Francis to congress today, has written a post to his blog detailing the order of today’s proceedings as well as his thoughts about them. | Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner, who will welcome Pope Francis to congress today, has written a post to his blog detailing the order of today’s proceedings as well as his thoughts about them. |
| “By about 9:15, I will be in my ceremonial office across from the House floor, getting ready to greet him. People have asked me what I’ll be thinking about. It’s not really a quiet moment, per since you’ve got a pack of photographers there waiting too. | “By about 9:15, I will be in my ceremonial office across from the House floor, getting ready to greet him. People have asked me what I’ll be thinking about. It’s not really a quiet moment, per since you’ve got a pack of photographers there waiting too. |
| One thing I can tell you: typically, I ask our guest how their economy is doing, and go from there. Will have to think of something else. | One thing I can tell you: typically, I ask our guest how their economy is doing, and go from there. Will have to think of something else. |
| It’ll come to me. | It’ll come to me. |
| It does contain some fascinating titbits about the morning’s procedures. At 10:01 and 30 seconds, the speaker says: “...history. Paul Irving, the House Sergeant-at-Arms, will make the announcement: ‘Mr. Speaker, the Pope of the Holy See.’” | It does contain some fascinating titbits about the morning’s procedures. At 10:01 and 30 seconds, the speaker says: “...history. Paul Irving, the House Sergeant-at-Arms, will make the announcement: ‘Mr. Speaker, the Pope of the Holy See.’” |
| Boehner ends: | Boehner ends: |
| When you grow up Catholic, you learn about the Pope as a distant figure, closer to God than any of us. To have him here, at our Capitol, among our people, is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. A glimpse of grace. | When you grow up Catholic, you learn about the Pope as a distant figure, closer to God than any of us. To have him here, at our Capitol, among our people, is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. A glimpse of grace. |
| Updated | |
| at 1.32pm BST | |
| 1.27pm BST | |
| 13:27 | |
| Later today, Pope Francis will travel to New York. Police commissioner Bill Bratton - who is in charge of what has been called an “unprecedented” security operation for the visit - especially as it is taking place during the UN General Assembly - just tweeted a message of welcome to the pontiff: | Later today, Pope Francis will travel to New York. Police commissioner Bill Bratton - who is in charge of what has been called an “unprecedented” security operation for the visit - especially as it is taking place during the UN General Assembly - just tweeted a message of welcome to the pontiff: |
| My message to the members of the NYPD regarding the Pope's visit to NYC. http://t.co/8bfnmFBCQ2 pic.twitter.com/wCqMVIgreV | My message to the members of the NYPD regarding the Pope's visit to NYC. http://t.co/8bfnmFBCQ2 pic.twitter.com/wCqMVIgreV |
| Updated | |
| at 1.28pm BST | |
| 1.24pm BST | |
| 13:24 | |
| Dan is inside the House of Representatives press gallery right now, and it’s rather crowded... | Dan is inside the House of Representatives press gallery right now, and it’s rather crowded... |
| 1.14pm BST | |
| 13:14 | |
| Nuns from the order of the Servants of the Lord pose for a photograph as they wait outside the U.S. Capitol for a chance to see Pope Francis in Washington. Francis is expected to greet the crowd outside from a balcony after addressing members of Congress. | Nuns from the order of the Servants of the Lord pose for a photograph as they wait outside the U.S. Capitol for a chance to see Pope Francis in Washington. Francis is expected to greet the crowd outside from a balcony after addressing members of Congress. |
| 12.59pm BST | |
| 12:59 | |
| It is customary for representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas to arrive hours in advance to stake out her seat on the aisle of the chamber for a State of the Union address, so that she can shake hands and take a picture with the President. | It is customary for representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas to arrive hours in advance to stake out her seat on the aisle of the chamber for a State of the Union address, so that she can shake hands and take a picture with the President. |
| Fox News’ Gretawire blog reports that while congressional leadership have tried to discourage that by blocking access to the centre aisle. | Fox News’ Gretawire blog reports that while congressional leadership have tried to discourage that by blocking access to the centre aisle. |
| But Dan Roberts confirms that, nonetheless, Lee is there early as usual - staking out a seat, as close as she can get to where the pope will pass. | But Dan Roberts confirms that, nonetheless, Lee is there early as usual - staking out a seat, as close as she can get to where the pope will pass. |
| 12.52pm BST | |
| 12:52 | |
| This is a sneak peek from the Guardian’s DC bureau chief Dan Roberts of the chamber of the US House of Representatives, where Pope Francis will speak. | This is a sneak peek from the Guardian’s DC bureau chief Dan Roberts of the chamber of the US House of Representatives, where Pope Francis will speak. |
| It’s where the State of the Union address and all joint speeches to congress are held. “I’m told we may get some Supreme Court justices today too, so it will really feel like a State Of The Union,” Dan says. | It’s where the State of the Union address and all joint speeches to congress are held. “I’m told we may get some Supreme Court justices today too, so it will really feel like a State Of The Union,” Dan says. |
| 12.43pm BST | |
| 12:43 | |
| Stephanie Kirchgaessner | Stephanie Kirchgaessner |
| Some context this morning from Guardian correspondent Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome. | Some context this morning from Guardian correspondent Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome. |
| When Francis steps up to the podium today in the US Capitol, he will be the first pope to address a joint session of Congress, an occasion that is usually reserved for visiting heads of state. Anticipation has reached a fever pitch - both in Washington and around the world - precisely because this pope is expected to speak on issues that are central to the highly-partisan and often bitter debates that consume American politics today: the environment, immigration, poverty, and the US role in the world. | When Francis steps up to the podium today in the US Capitol, he will be the first pope to address a joint session of Congress, an occasion that is usually reserved for visiting heads of state. Anticipation has reached a fever pitch - both in Washington and around the world - precisely because this pope is expected to speak on issues that are central to the highly-partisan and often bitter debates that consume American politics today: the environment, immigration, poverty, and the US role in the world. |
| To be sure, his speech will not be a bland recitation that seeks only to please and assure the gathered lawmakers. While most Vatican watchers believe the pope’s primary motivation for visiting the US was to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia this weekend, he clearly sees his visit to the nation’s capital as an opportunity to issue a call to conscience and challenge lawmakers on the issues at the heart of his papacy. | To be sure, his speech will not be a bland recitation that seeks only to please and assure the gathered lawmakers. While most Vatican watchers believe the pope’s primary motivation for visiting the US was to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia this weekend, he clearly sees his visit to the nation’s capital as an opportunity to issue a call to conscience and challenge lawmakers on the issues at the heart of his papacy. |
| Francis has already indicated in speeches that he is not shying away from controversy. Although his language is not abrasive, his repeated references to himself as the son of immigrants, for example, marks an attempt not only to identify with the American experience, but to gently chastise those who have vilified immigrants as freeloaders who take but do not enrich society. He will seek not to lecture, but to nudge the assembled politicians - who are overwhelmingly Christian - to see things from a different and more nuanced perspective, and to free themselves of political rigidity. | Francis has already indicated in speeches that he is not shying away from controversy. Although his language is not abrasive, his repeated references to himself as the son of immigrants, for example, marks an attempt not only to identify with the American experience, but to gently chastise those who have vilified immigrants as freeloaders who take but do not enrich society. He will seek not to lecture, but to nudge the assembled politicians - who are overwhelmingly Christian - to see things from a different and more nuanced perspective, and to free themselves of political rigidity. |
| The pope will stand in front of John Boehner, the Republican speaker of the House, and Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic vice president who also has the role of president of the Senate. Both men are Catholic and represent the diversity of views within the church across the political spectrum. As a savvy operator, the pope knows he cannot just appeal to one of them. | The pope will stand in front of John Boehner, the Republican speaker of the House, and Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic vice president who also has the role of president of the Senate. Both men are Catholic and represent the diversity of views within the church across the political spectrum. As a savvy operator, the pope knows he cannot just appeal to one of them. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.45pm BST | |
| 12.20pm BST | |
| 12:20 | |
| If the sunrise was anything to go by, it’s looking set to be a spectacularly beautiful day in Washington, DC for Pope Francis’ address to Congress. | If the sunrise was anything to go by, it’s looking set to be a spectacularly beautiful day in Washington, DC for Pope Francis’ address to Congress. |
| Check out the sky....unedited photo. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/8cO5RFSOcW | Check out the sky....unedited photo. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/8cO5RFSOcW |
| 12.07pm BST | |
| 12:07 | |
| Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of day three of Pope Francis’ visit to the United States. | Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of day three of Pope Francis’ visit to the United States. |
| It's a beautiful morning at the Capitol for Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/HGJTeoz3um | It's a beautiful morning at the Capitol for Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/HGJTeoz3um |
| After a politically-charged speech urging action on climate change at the White House yesterday, expectations are high for the pontiff’s speech to a joint session of both houses of Congress, scheduled for 9.20am ET (1.20pm GMT) today. | After a politically-charged speech urging action on climate change at the White House yesterday, expectations are high for the pontiff’s speech to a joint session of both houses of Congress, scheduled for 9.20am ET (1.20pm GMT) today. |
| After that, Francis will visit St. Patrick’s Catholic church and the Catholic charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, before heading back to Andrews Joint Air Base to fly to New York City. Here’s his full schedule: | After that, Francis will visit St. Patrick’s Catholic church and the Catholic charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, before heading back to Andrews Joint Air Base to fly to New York City. Here’s his full schedule: |
| 9.20am (1.20pm GMT): Pope Francis addresses a joint session of the US Congress. On the West Front of the US Capitol, a jumbotron broadcast shows the event. This is the first time a reigning pontiff has ever addressed Congress. | 9.20am (1.20pm GMT): Pope Francis addresses a joint session of the US Congress. On the West Front of the US Capitol, a jumbotron broadcast shows the event. This is the first time a reigning pontiff has ever addressed Congress. |
| 11.15am (3.15pm GMT): Pope Francis meets with the poor and the homeless during a visit to St Patrick in the City and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. Later that afternoon, he departs for New York. | 11.15am (3.15pm GMT): Pope Francis meets with the poor and the homeless during a visit to St Patrick in the City and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. Later that afternoon, he departs for New York. |
| 6.45pm (10.45pm GMT): The pope leads the evening prayer at a Vespers service at St Patrick’s Cathedral. The event is only open to clergy of St Patrick’s Cathedral. | 6.45pm (10.45pm GMT): The pope leads the evening prayer at a Vespers service at St Patrick’s Cathedral. The event is only open to clergy of St Patrick’s Cathedral. |
| It’s going to be an eventful day. Stay tuned for live updates. | It’s going to be an eventful day. Stay tuned for live updates. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.12pm BST |