Pope expected to talk immigration at Capitol Hill

The head of the Catholic Church who has recently shook the Diocese with his progressive views on abortion and gay marriage is also expected to talk about immigration.

Pope Francis’s visit to the U.S. has caused quite a stir. A visit to the White House,
thousands and thousands lined up to catch a glimpse of the pontiff–even in El Paso leaders are smitten to see the pope and children in classrooms are getting a lesson on the head of the Catholic Church.

“I think having him here, having him speak to issues with compassion, with care, with a real view toward achieving social justice, I think that’s valuable” said Robert Heyman.

Heyman is the policy coordinator for Border Network for Human Rights, one of the largest immigrant advocacy groups in the region.

With Pope Francis expected to visit Congress Thursday, talk of immigration will likely be on his list.

“I hope that Congress goes in there with open minds and a open heart because as long as the pope sticks to the message, a message of compassion for migrants, of tolerance, of helping those less fortunate than us, then it’s a great message,” said Heyman.

On Wednesday a young girl, Sophie Cruz captured the nations heart as she handed a shirt and a message to the pontiff telling the pope she doesn’t want her parents to be deported.

“It’s one child looking to what this country can be. Looking to our leaders, our faith leaders, our political leaders to deal with the human realities,” said Heyman.

Heyman hopes the message to Congress doesn’t fall on deaf ears.

“There is an important message of compassion and humanity that this pope is bringing on immigration and whether or not your catholic, that’s a message you really need to listen to,” said Heyman.

Pope Francis is not only expected to visit Congress Thursday, but in New York on Friday he will be visiting a school primarily with immigrant children. He will also address the United Nations