By
Thomas Groome
Director, Church in the 21st Century
Professor, School of Theology and Ministry
I expect Pope Francis’ message to American Catholics will be appreciative and affirming, but also confronting and inviting us to new horizons in our faith – for example, to commit to care of the environment as a central aspect of Catholic social teaching. I also expect him to push back against much of the political rhetoric we are hearing. Instead of building walls, he’ll be encouraging us to build bridges; instead of “sending home the illegals,” he’ll be encouraging us to be hospitable and respectful of all people.
Stephen Pope
Professor, Theology Department
Pope Francis will remind us that we have amassed great power which we must use responsibly, especially on behalf of the most marginalized people. We are called to be merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful. This message applies to our personal lives but also to how we craft public policies, including those pertaining to immigration and climate change. He will also remind Catholics to remember that the Church has a God-given mandate to show compassion to all people, particularly to those who are divorced and civilly remarried, those who live with a partner outside of marriage, and gays.
Tiziana Dearing
Assoc. Prof. of the Practice, School of Social Work
I expect the Pope will have three messages to America. First, a call to decrease our environmental consumption. He has written, “The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.” Americans use resources disproportionately; he will challenge us to change. Second, I believe he will question the American economic approach. Specifically, he will emphasize that the economy is meant to serve humanity, not the other way around. Third, he is likely to call us to action on the refugee crisis stemming from conflicts in Syria and the Middle East. The urgency of the situation requires it.
James Bretzke, SJ
Professor, School of Theology and Ministry
Pope Francis will underscore America’s crucial role in the world by highlighting the positive American values of freedom, democracy and a practical ability to innovate to solve vexing problems. He will also challenge America to greater practical commitment to the poor, especially in the global economy, life issues, and to overcome a natural “indifference” to those less fortunate that marks most human societies. He also will underscore the need to address more dynamically world problems, especially the environment, the plight of immigrants and refugees, and building a just and lasting world peace.
Joseph O’Keefe, SJ
Director, Center for Ignatian Spirituality Professor, Lynch School of Education
I think that Pope Francis will urge all of us in the United States to pay more attention to the better angels of our nature. He will remind us of the inestimable dignity of every human being as a child of God, from the mother’s womb to the end of life. He will call us to welcome the stranger, to care for the poor, and to ensure that future generations have a habitable planet. He will invite us to deepen our faith and renew our hope. And he will do all of that with humility and warmth.