Pope Francis arrived Tuesday in Washington, D.C., for his first-ever visit to the U.S. The popular Argentinian pope has called for a focus on addressing poverty and climate change, and he has criticized the global consumer culture for depleting natural resources and taking advantage of the poor. He’s also taken a personal role in restoring diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba. Valerie Hotchkiss, director of the Rare Book & Manuscript Library and professor of medieval studies and religion at the University of Illinois, and author of “Creeds and Confessions of Faith in the Christian Tradition,” talked with News Bureau arts and humanities editor Jodi Heckel about the pope’s visit.
Pope Francis’ visit will meet with poor, immigrant and homeless people who get help from Catholic Charities in Washington, D.C., elementary school students in East Harlem, and inmates in a jail in Philadelphia. What do these meetings say about the message he wants to send to U.S. Catholics?
The Catholic Church has always been a leader in education and social services, often stepping in when governments failed to serve the poor and needy. But it is true that Pope Francis is setting a new tone, encouraging this aspect of the Catholic tradition. He is willing to hold a mirror up to Catholics, and to society in general, to ask, “Are we doing enough?” His visit to the prison may help to highlight social inequality and racial issues surrounding incarceration rates in America.
Pope Francis will be the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress. How do you expect him to be received, considering his criticisms of capitalism and consumer culture?
Though some members of Congress, such as Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, have threatened to boycott the speech or made statements criticizing the pope’s views, especially the recent encyclical on climate change, I am quite certain that Pope Francis will be received with respect from both parties while speaking to the joint meeting. The pope’s commitment to the environment and his support for the nuclear deal with Iran may irk some on the right, while his stand on abortion and same-sex unions might not please the left – but during his speech he will command everyone’s respect as a world spiritual leader.
In Philadelphia, Pope Francis will speak about immigration, and he’ll meet with undocumented immigrants during his visit. What, if any, influence do you think his words and actions might have on Americans who are strongly divided on the topic of immigration reform?
The pope may speak forcefully on the issue, but he will probably focus on the social issues, without taking a specific political stance. American Catholics may heed a call for more compassion and tolerance, but I don’t think Pope Francis can change the divided political landscape in America with his words, his visit or even his prayers.
Pope Francis is seen very favorably by both Catholics and non-Catholics in the U.S. What has made him such a popular figure?
It’s the humility, compassion and, I would say, humanity of Pope Francis that have won the hearts of many. This is not a grand or remote authority, but a man of the people. He has shifted the tone of the church through his dedication to the poor, through such statements as “Who am I to judge?” when speaking of homosexuality, and through compassionate, humble and welcoming gestures at almost every turn. Many American Catholics may be hoping for changes in doctrine or church practices to follow, but at this point, they are pleased with the refreshingly humble and humane character of Pope Francis.