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CONGRESSMAN SANFORD BISHOP STATEMENT ON POPE FRANCIS’ ADDRESS TO CONGRESS

September 25, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement after Pope Francis' historic address to the Joint Meeting of Congress:

"As a Christian and as a public servant, I was pleased to be in the presence of Pope Francis as he spoke at the White House and again at the Joint Session of Congress. His dialogue with the American people inspired us regardless of political party to continue in the ‘tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good' and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

"It was a message of peace, but also a message of caution. Speaking directly to a United States Congress weighted down with partisan bickering, Pope Francis' words encouraged us to stand up to polarization and conflict with a response of peace and healing. Though today's world is often characterized by callous acts of violence and greed, a dangerously shifting climate, and serial injustice towards our fellow man, if we–as a people—can focus on loving our neighbors and our family, resetting our nation's priorities, and pursuing the American Dream once again, our United States will continue to remain the rightful Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.

"It was an honor to hear Pope Francis' dialogue in person, and look forward working with my colleagues to reflect the vision and grace of Pope Francis for the American people."