Pope Francis and Immigration: U.S. immigration laws could be influenced by Pope Francis

Pope Francis is expected to touch on immigration while in the United States.

Pope Francis's U.S. schedule will include an address to Congress on September 24, where he will be speaking to Congress regarding immigration laws.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Lawmakers and immigration advocates hope that the pontiff's message will stir members of Congress and their citizens. Two days after his appearance in Congress, the Pope will be meeting with immigrants and Hispanic families at Philadelphia's Independence Mall.

Pope Francis has been open about his concern over how immigrants were being treated since he became the head of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013. In a June encyclical letter on climate change, Francis emphasized the "tragic rise" of immigrants running away from poverty.

Efforts to pass a comprehensive immigration bill were delayed in the 113th Congress. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell explained, earlier this august, that there would be no all-encompassing immigration legislation this year or next, because of President Barack Obama's executive actions.

However, activists are hoping Francis will lend some push to a body where nearly a third of its members are Catholic. Several members in leadership are Catholic, including House Speaker John Boehner, who has invited the last three Popes to address Congress. Boehner claimed he is not planning on picking any fights with the Pope. According to spokeswoman Emily Schillinger, Boehner is looking forward to meeting the Pope and hearing his speech.

Immigration supporters and campaigners would like the Pope's words to be converted into action by Congress. Jeanne Atkinson, executive director for the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, said the biggest effect of the Pope's speech could come from outside Washington, D.C.

"It will have some impact, and that impact will motivate people to reach out to their member of Congress," Atkinson stated. "What I would like to see come out of it is people becoming aware of this issue and aware that the church cares about it and from there trying to educate themselves further."

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'

Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online