US Rep. Steve Pearce talks about Pope Francis’ congressional speech

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce issued this statement following His Holiness Pope Francis’ historic address to Congress:

“At this key moment in our nation’s history, when we face extraordinary challenges involving our economy, national security and the general lack of trust in Washington, D.C., Pope Francis’ address called us to return our attention to the common good, unity, the defense of life, and the family,” stated Pearce.

“His message was one of hope and healing. He urged us to rediscover the Judeo-Christian values that exemplified the lives of four distinguished Americans: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton. All were people of faith who sought to elevate the human person by applying the Golden Rule – ‘doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ Each worked to promote a more just and caring society based upon liberty, fairness, opportunity, and the dignity of the human person. The Pontiff emphasized defending life at ‘every stage of its development’ – i.e., from conception to natural death. Echoing our Declaration of Independence, he reminded us that every life is sacred and every human is ‘endowed with an inalienable dignity.’ His challenge to protect and defend life could not have been clearer.

“He also called upon all Americans to create a caring culture and to combat poverty and hunger through personal and community service. Pope Francis reminded us of the indispensable role of the family in this effort. His comments reiterated that the family is the foundational institution in American society. Strong families lead to a strong nation. I agree with Pope Francis that Americans must renew our spirit of service to support and strengthen the family, and with it the future of every millennial and member of following generations.

“I would like to thank Bishop Cant for joining me today and I look forward to engaging him as we work together for the common good of New Mexicans.”

Today’s address marked the first time that the head of the Roman Catholic Church addressed the U.S. Congress in an official state visit. Congressman Pearce’s personal guest was the Most Rev. Oscar Cant, S.T.D., D.D., of the Las Cruces Catholic Diocese. On January 10, 2013, Bishop Cant was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to succeed the Most Rev. Ricardo Ramrez, C.S.B., as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Las Cruces. The Second Congressional District contains the entire Las Cruces Diocese in southern New Mexico as well as some parish communities in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and the Diocese of Gallup.