SPECIAL TO THE LEADER ———

(Washington, DC) — Congressman Kevin Brady, (R-TX) released the following statement on the address by his Holiness, Pope Francis, before a joint meeting of Congress, the first by a pope.

“As a Catholic I am thrilled to witness firsthand this unique moment in history where the pope addresses a joint meeting of Congress.

His spiritual message of love and prayer are especially timely for a nation and a Washington that is deeply divided. His call for lawmakers and the President to show the courage and intelligence to resolve America’s many crises is sorely needed, because too many in both parties are fearful of finding common ground even when it advances our principles and strengthens America.

As for the poor among us, he called for more caring but not more government. He recognizes that local churches and charities can often reach the poor more humanely and more personally than governments which can trap individuals in a cycle of poverty.

As a member of the Pro-Life Caucus I had hoped Pope Francis would have devoted more time on the human rights issue of our time – the protection of the unborn – which claims 300,000 innocent lives a year in America.”