Merkley Statement on Pope Francis's Address to Congress

Oregon's Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Pope Francis addressed a joint session of the United States Congress this morning:

"This morning, Pope Francis powerfully reminded us all of our true purpose as public servants: that we are "called to defend and preserve the dignity of our fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good.' I especially thank the Pope for his unwavering belief that we can and we should do more to protect our communities from global warming and to take on the scourge of poverty here in the United States.

"We face many difficult challenges as a nation, but the Pope's clear moral call to action--that we must work together, that we must put the common good above all else, and that we must put aside our differences to work on behalf of those who sent us here--is one we should all reflect upon deeply as we move forward to take on these challenges. Today's speech called upon us all to heed our better angels, and it is my hope that Congress will carry that spirit forward and work to tirelessly pursue "the common good' here in our nation's capital."

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