Pope tackles climate change in White House speech

WASHINGTON

Pope Francis addressed climate change during his visit to the White House on Wednesday, and managed to touch on other hot button issues.

The Bishop of Rome said he found President Barack Obama's climate change agenda "encouraging" and urged recognition of the pressing need to take steps to confront it.

"Accepting the urgency, it seems clear to me also that climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to our future generations," the pontiff said.

He also welcomed Obama's efforts to mend broken relations with Cuba, describing it as "positive steps that are along the path of reconciliation, justice and freedom."

Francis played a crucial role in facilitating talks between the two cold war foes.

During his speech, the pope implied his objection to some of the issues that are being hotly debated in the U.S., including gay marriage and granting citizenship to undocumented immigrants.

The pontiff arrived at the White House early Wednesday in a modest Fiat 500 to meet to the first family, government officials and guests. A huge crowd cheered him from Eclipse Park in front of the White House.

He said that during his visit to Philadelphia on the last leg of his U.S. visit, he would meet families "to celebrate and support the institutions of marriage and families" implying the Catholic Church's opposition to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage.

Francis began his remarks by telling the audience that he was "a son of an immigrant family”, in a possible veiled attempt to remind everyone that most Americans have immigrant ancestry, and to register his objection with those who oppose some immigration reforms.

"I will have the honor of addressing Congress, where I hope as a brother of this country to offer words of encouragement to those who are to guide the nation's political future, in fidelity to its founding basis," he said.

Obama announced last year, plans to shield as many as 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation. Republican lawmakers have strongly objected to the plan.

In his opening remarks, Obama complimented the Holy Father for the life he has lived.

"We see a living example of Jesus’ teachings, a leader whose moral authority comes not just through words but also through deeds," Obama said.

He also thanked the pope for his role in initiation talks with Cuba.

"We thank you for your passionate voice against the deadly conflicts that ravage the lives of so many men, women, and children; and your call for nations to resist the sirens of war and resolve disputes through diplomacy," Obama added.

Following a private meeting, Obama presented Francis with a sculpture of an ascending dove –an international symbol of peace and Christian symbol for the Holy Spirit. The White House said the sculpture incorporated the original armature bar from the Statue of Liberty.

In addition to the sculpture, Obama also gave the pope a key from the Maryland home of Elizabeth Ann Seton, who established the first Catholic girls’ school in the U.S.

After the White House ceremonies, Francis traveled a short parade route around he Washington Ellipse in a retrofitted jeep to see some of the thousands of people who had been waiting to see him – some who even camped the night before to get a glimpse of leader of the world’s Catholics.

Some parents handed over their children to the Secret Service to give to Francis to kiss and bless.

Five-year-old Sophie Cruz jumped into the center of the cordoned off parade route and was swiftly moved away by the security officials. But Francis called her back and hugged her.

Sophie's family traveled from Los Angeles in order to see the pope, according to her father.

"She was trying to reach out him," one woman from Sophie's family said. "She was waiting for the moment."

A 58-year-old Spanish teacher told Anadolu Agency that she traveled from Peru with two friends to see the Francis.

"I saw pope in my dream and I thought it's a message for me to go and see him," said Marianne Salas. "I feel satisfied to be here, I feel more complete. He is my inspiration."

Francis will depart Thursday for New York, where he will address the UN General Assembly on Friday before heading to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families.

He is expected to depart for Rome on Sunday.