Pope Francis Addresses President Obama And Guests At White House (Full Transcript)

Pope Francis addressed the nation from the South Lawn of the White House on Wednesday, touching on the topics that are closest to his heart.

The pontiff, speaking in English, talked about climate change, immigration, and care for those on the margins of society. Pope Francis quoted from Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

Pope Francis Addresses President Obama And Guests At White House (Full Transcript)

It's nice to see a Christian who not only DOESN'T deny science, but actively promotes it. Especially one that is seen as the leader of one of the largest denominations of Christianity in the world.

The full transcript of his speech is on the link, but I've linked a few good parts below:

Mr. President, I find it encouraging that you are proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution. Accepting the urgency, it seems clear to me also that climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation. When it comes to the care of our “common home”, we are living at a critical moment of history. We still have time to make the changes needed to bring about “a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change” (Laudato Si’, 13). Such change demands on our part a serious and responsible recognition not only of the kind of world we may be leaving to our children, but also to the millions of people living under a system which has overlooked them. Our common home has been part of this group of the excluded which cries out to heaven and which today powerfully strikes our homes, our cities and our societies. To use a telling phrase of the Reverend Martin Luther King, we can say that we have defaulted on a promissory note and now is the time to honor it.

Francis is probably going to encounter some resistance to these words, but I think he is 100% on the mark. Hell, even IF climate change is a lie (it isn't), what do you lose by making sure that we aren't destroying the environment? Is it REALLY such a bad thing to care about what wastes we create and if they could potentially make parts of the planet unlivable?

The efforts which were recently made to mend broken relationships and to open new doors to cooperation within our human family represent positive steps along the path of reconciliation, justice and freedom. I would like all men and women of good will in this great nation to support the efforts of the international community to protect the vulnerable in our world and to stimulate integral and inclusive models of development, so that our brothers and sisters everywhere may know the blessings of peace and prosperity which God wills for all his children.

You know what that means? That means that we don't whine that a bunch of refugees are fleeing a war torn country to safer countries and just accept them so that they can recontinue their lives. These people have already experienced the worst of humanity, arguing over taking them in or not just shows that you don't care about them.

Too bad I'm not a Catholic anymore, but hopefully his words reach the many Christians in this country who have lost their way and he helps wake them up so that they can act like true Christians again.

a reply to: Krazysh0t

I missed the part about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Yeshua Hamashiach

Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives. 1 Peter 2:11-12

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Philippians 3:20

He has been saying what many political and famous figures have been saying for decades, but because he is the pope, somehow it holds more weight. The people that have been expressing these same views have said it with much more depth, passion, sincerity and clarity so what was the point of this address?

a reply to: infolurker

I have no idea what you are talking about. This world is DEFINITELY my home. I've lived here my whole life and no where else.

a reply to: FelisOrion

Because the science denialists usually don't listen to those people because they say they are bought out by corrupt monied interests. Many of the denialists are Christians (in fact most are, at least in this country). So hopefully they'll listen a bitter better to the head of one of the biggest denominations of Christianity in the world.

This Pope launched doves that were attacked by a crow and a seagull. I sense great danger in trusting this man for those who are peaceful doves.

a reply to: Danton

Why? Because some birds that normally hunt doves did what they always do?

a reply to: Krazysh0t

Thank you for the link.

I love this Pope -- and I'm not even Catholic. But he is the first and only pope in my lifetime who seems to represent Jesus; the others only seemed to represent the church. Go Francis Go!!!

a reply to: Krazysh0t

They should have been under the protection of god if this Pope was in touch with god. Any examples of this happening with any other Pope ever? I thought so.

originally posted by: Krazysh0t
a reply to: FelisOrion

Because the science denialists usually don't listen to those people because they say they are bought out by corrupt monied interests. Many of the denialists are Christians (in fact most are, at least in this country). So hopefully they'll listen a bitter better to the head of one of the biggest denominations of Christianity in the world.

When is your flawless "science" going to produce some accurate models and predictions?

Oh wow, a guy who controls people with lies is telling us that we can stop climate change (something that has been naturally occurring since long before humans), if we just give them ore money and more power! Seems legit!

a reply to: Krazysh0t

I like the bloke, and I think he's genuine. What I would like to see is deeds and not just words. The confidence of the church should not rely on amassing wealth to establish authority - the catholic Church has lost my respect because it oozes hypocracy.

Sell the real estate of the Vatican and redistribute all wealth and assets it's gathered and give it to Africa and other 3rd world countries.......in keeping with the United Nations core policies of wealth redistribution - lead by example.

If the catholic church still stands thereafter - they will again have my respect, and my labour.

Until then, it's words.....I want to see him put the churches money where it's mouth is - all of it.

originally posted by: Danton
a reply to: Krazysh0t

They should have been under the protection of god if this Pope was in touch with god. Any examples of this happening with any other Pope ever? I thought so.

I can't speak for every pope ever. Most of them presided over Catholicism LONG before I was born, and I'm sure a benign event like you are talking about isn't really worth discussing to most.

originally posted by: TheBulk

originally posted by: Krazysh0t
a reply to: FelisOrion

Because the science denialists usually don't listen to those people because they say they are bought out by corrupt monied interests. Many of the denialists are Christians (in fact most are, at least in this country). So hopefully they'll listen a bitter better to the head of one of the biggest denominations of Christianity in the world.

When is your flawless "science" going to produce some accurate models and predictions?

Strawman. I never said that science is flawless so I am not going to answer this ridiculous question.

Oh wow, a guy who controls people with lies is telling us that we can stop climate change (something that has been naturally occurring since long before humans), if we just give them ore money and more power! Seems legit!

So basically you are saying that not even the leader of your religion can convince you to reconsider your confirmation bias towards science? Such a shame...

The pope.....really needs to stay out of political things. The catholic church is the reason why we have so many issues as it is. Its why most left england and yet here we go again a pope trying to tell everyone what to do. Until he renounces all wealth and the vatican dissolves as a state and spreads its wealth to the poor and needy i agree its just words.

originally posted by: Sublimecraft
a reply to: Krazysh0t

I like the bloke, and I think he's genuine. What I would like to see is deeds and not just words. The confidence of the church should not rely on amassing wealth to establish authority - the catholic Church has lost my respect because it oozes hypocracy.

Sell the real estate of the Vatican and redistribute all wealth and assets it's gathered and give it to Africa and other 3rd world countries.......in keeping with the United Nations core policies of wealth redistribution - lead by example.

If the catholic church still stands thereafter - they will again have my respect, and my labour.

Until then, it's words.....I want to see him put the churches money where it's mouth is - all of it.

Did you miss this ATS thread when it happened?
Vatican Insider - Pope Francis replaces 'Throne of Peter' with simple chair

How's that for a start to what you are asking for? I mean, I agree with you about the amass of wealth, but Francis seems to be a breath of fresh air. To me, it seems many are still against Francis because of their cynicism brought on by previous popes. The things I've seen from him so far are damn stellar. So while I will never be a Christian again, I fully support this man to reinvigorate the Christian religion.

a reply to: TheBulk

If he represented Jesus, he would not have taken the position of Pope. If he represented Jesus, that white robe nonsense would not be apart of his wardrobe. And I am not religious (not atheist either). I want to make that clear now.

So curious how some people dismiss his actions. They assign some nefarious, fear-based Biblical prophecy to him but whine about how Catholicism is too judgey.

originally posted by: Krazysh0t
Pope Francis quoted from Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

Makes me wonder if he had to pay license to Dr. King's estate to use part of speech or in end they might sue him...

en.wikipedia.org...

www.poynter.org...

The only legal way to reproduce King’s work — at least until it enters the public domain in 2038 — is to pay for a licensing fee, rates for which vary. (Individuals visiting the King Center can buy a recording of the “I have a dream” speech for $20. Licenses for media outlets run into the thousands.)

originally posted by: FelisOrion
a reply to: TheBulk

If he represented Jesus, he would not have taken the position of Pope. If he represented Jesus, that white robe nonsense would not be apart of his wardrobe. And I am not religious (not atheist either). I want to make that clear now.

Was this meant for me? I was notified of your comment... and it addresses my comment... but it's not addressed to me so I'm a little confused.

In any event, my response would be that I don't think Jesus gives a rat's patootie what anyone wears. Jesus sees the heart, not the clothes. Jesus also understands that we are mere mortals... imperfect, fallible humans.... and He still loves us. Even the Pope, no matter what he wears.

Will he be selling tickets to heaven this afternoon?

The pope to me and Catholicism in itself just reminds me of Organized crime..

I mean no disrespect but Catholicism has a very dark history...

I will say thou the assembly on tv looks positive I suppose... I wonder if this guy really believes in Big G, or just does this for the theater effects to keep his religion in line..