Pope Francis delights tens of thousands

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Luis and Ingrad Maldonado, who emigrated to the United States from Bolivia 30 years ago, were among 50,000 faithful that watched the pope’s address to a joint session of Congress from outside the Capitol.

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Ingrid Maldonado came to the United States 30 years ago from Bolivia. The single mother of four said seeing Pope Francis in person was an incredibly emotional experience and one she felt especially blessed to experience alongside one of her sons.

“It means a lot to me because I want to thank God for everything he has ever provided me. It was an extreme sacrifice, but I was able to send all my children to Catholic school growing up. Today, all of my kids are proud to be Catholic and stand by their faith,” she said.

Maldonado and her son Luis were among an estimated 50,000 people who gathered on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the chance to watch the pope’s historic address to Congress via telecast on three giant screens. Never before in U.S. history has a pontiff ever addressed a joint session of Congress.

Pope Francis packed his 50-minute speech with timely topics important to all Americans, including climate change, capital punishment and poverty. He called upon Congressional leaders to protect human life, respect the human dignity of immigrants and value the sanctity of traditional family values.

Although English is difficult for the pope, he made his entire address to Congress in English. His words were slow and deliberate, but that seemed to make them all the more powerful.

“We, the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners,” Pope Francis said. “I say this to you as the son of immigrants, knowing that so many of you are also descended from immigrants.”

“I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without,” he said. “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.”

“Pope Francis brought the presence of God and the Church into the public square,” Corpus Christi Bishop Michael Mulvey said. “He showed the power of the joy of the Gospel and the beauty of dialogue. We are grateful to all who are in public service. Together we can work for the common good and promote the dignity of all. I hope everyone will take time to meditate on his words.”

Caroline Roche, 27, arrived at the U.S. Capitol at 7 a.m. with her two sisters, Annie, 25, and Maureen, 22.

Father Gervan Menezes, chaplain at Father Ryan High School in Nashville, Tennessee sits alongside a group of 22 students from the high school. They were waiting patiently for the crowds to disperse after listening to the pope’s address to Congress. A total of 87 people from the Diocese of Nashville made the pilgrimage to Washington, DC. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

“This is an historic day and I could not be more proud to be Catholic right now,” she beamed. “I feel extremely blessed to witness this in person. I’m especially impressed with how many non-Catholics are excited about the values and tenets the pope talks about.”
Maureen Roche added she thinks the pope has reached “rock star” status, especially with younger Catholics.

“I’m excited about just being in his presence. I can tell he wants to engage people my age in particular. He is relatable to me and I think he is revitalizing the Church like we’ve never experienced before.”

The Roche sisters, who live in Washington, D.C., noted they are acutely accustomed to dignitaries and foreign heads of state visiting the District for meetings with the President or Congress. They have also seen their fair share inaugural events but they all agree the pope’s visit has surpassed all those combined.

The security on-site was unprecedented, with law enforcement officials from almost every conceivable agency, including the FBI, Secret Service, local police departments and ATF. Snipers could be seen at the very top of the U.S. Capitol, keeping a watchful eye for any suspicious activity.

Tickets to the event were said to be the “hottest tickets in town,” as non-Catholics, as well as the faithful and even those who have strayed from the Church wanted a chance to catch even a brief glimpse of Pope Francis in person.

Kevin O’Connor, 28, lives in Washington, D.C. and described himself as “not a weekly Mass attender” but admitted the Pope has made him take his Catholic upbringing more seriously.

“His charisma is interesting and I think his views on climate change are welcomed,” he said.

Over a dozen parishioners from Mary, Queen of All Saints in Pennsauken, New Jersey arrived at the U.S. Capitol at 6 a.m., including five sisters from the order of Misioneras de Maria Formadora.
Sister Gabriela Jose de Jesus said she believes Pope Francis is trying to unify everyone towards a common goal.

“He wants us all to be happy and wants us all, brothers and sisters, to live in a more beautiful world. And he believes we all deserve this, despite your background, race or even religion. This is an experience I will never forget. I feel much peace being here,” she said.

The pope ended his address to Congress with a clear call to action.

“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 said.

His final words: “God bless America!” was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation from Congress, including the tens of thousands of people standing outside.

As the pope made his way through from inside the U.S. Capitol to the speaker’s balcony facing the East Lawn, the crowd outside was eagerly awaiting his appearance, enthusiastically chanting “Viva Papa!” and “Papa!”

When he finally appeared, the audience erupted in overjoyed screams and more chanting. The crowd cheered for a minute and a half before the pope had a chance to start his impromptu speech in Spanish. Once he started speaking, the air fell completely silent, as everyone hung on his words.

“Buenos dias! I’m so grateful for your presence here, including the most important ones here: children.”

The pope then gave a blessing to the faithful and asked the audience to pray for him.
“I ask you all please to pray for me and if there are among you who do not believe or who cannot pray, I ask you please to send good wishes my way.”

He concluded in English: “Thank you very much, and God bless America.”