Pro-Live Advocacy: Pope Francis' main reason for his US visit

Speaks out on abortion and South American immigrants

Pope Francis's visit to the US is primarily to promote pro-life causes in the country and its neighboring regions. He praised the American Roman Catholic Church for its commitment in preserving life and family.

MUNTINLUPA CITY, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - As reported by the National Review, Pope Francis congratulated the American Roman Catholic Church for its "unfailing commitment" in serving pro-life and family causes in the US. He revealed in a statement that this was "the primary reason" for his visit to America.

In a statement during his address to the assembled bishops of the United States assembled at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, the pontiff said, "I appreciate the unfailing commitment of the Church in America to the cause of life and that of the family, which is the primary reason for my present visit." 
His official statement contradicted the understanding that his visit was centered around "the excess of capitalism," environmental issues and to speak out on behalf of the thousands of migrants fleeing from places of war.
The Pope disagrees with President Obama's beliefs when it comes to abortion and marriage. However, he was not expected to touch on either issue during his visit.
Prior to the papal visit to America, Ambassador Ken Hackett -the president's envoy to the Vatican- told Bloomberg Business, "There are differences [on abortion] ... I don't think that's where they are going to put all their energies when they sit down one-on-one." 
As always, Pope Francis ignored protocol and expectations to encourage bishops to confront the challenges of their advocacy and beliefs for life and family. He urged the bishops to be "pastors close to the people, pastors who are neighbors and servants" as church leaders. 

He later moved to the issue of Latin American immigrants and seemed to resist attempts to press his religious authority over political issues and causes while continuing to plea in behalf of the immigrants.
He said, "I ask you to excuse me if in some way I am pleading my own case. The Church in the United States knows like few others the hopes present in the hearts of these 'pilgrims' ... Offer them the warmth of the love of Christ and you will unlock the mystery of their heart. I am certain that, as so often in the past, these people will enrich America and its Church."
Secretary of State John Kerry praised Pope Francis' "call to resolve disputes through diplomacy, address #climatechange and protect the vulnerable in our world" on Twitter.
Immediately there was a response.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops tweeted "Agree, John. @Pontifex reassures all of us that Catholic teachings have always treasured human life from its very beginning."

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