(RNS) — Standing at a lectern once used by Abraham Lincoln and speaking to a crowd in front of Independence Hall, in the city that gave birth to the United States, Pope Francis on Saturday (Sept. 26) hailed the fundamental freedoms that have undergirded America's greatest achievements.
But rather than using what could have been a clear opportunity to endorse the more combative elements of the American bishops' religious liberty agenda, Francis instead focused his remarks on how the nation's freedoms foster pluralism and tolerance.
Invoking the names of four Americans he admires, Pope Francis called on American politicians to work for the common good during his historic speech before a joint session of Congress on Thursday.
In his hour-long speech, the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics touched on a variety of broad themes including violence, justice, and religious freedom.
