President Obama welcomed Pope Francis to a crowded White House Wednesday morning by praising his humility and his efforts to help those in need, and specifically thanked him for his call for everyone to battle climate change.
“In your humility, your embrace of simplicity, in the gentleness of your words and the generosity of your spirit, we see a living example of Jesus’ teachings, a leader whose moral authority comes not just through words but also through deeds,” Obama said.
“From the busy streets of Buenos Aires to remote villages in Kenya, Catholic organizations serve the poor, minister to prisoners, build schools and homes, and operate orphanages and hospitals,” Obama said, making reference to Francis’ hometown as well as Obama’s recent trip to his father’s home country. “And just as the church has stood with those struggling to break the chains of poverty, the church so often has given voice and hope to those seeking to break the chains of violence and oppression.”
Obama praised Francis for putting the “least of these” first, again quoting scripture. He credited Francis for advocating on behalf of refugees, peace, freedom of religion and the environment.
“And, Holy Father, you remind us that we have a sacred obligation to protect our planet — God’s magnificent gift to us,” Obama said. “We support your call to all world leaders to support the communities most vulnerable to a changing climate and to come together to preserve our precious world for future generations.”
Obama also credited Francis for helping the U.S. and Cuba re-establish diplomatic relations.
“Holy Father, we are grateful for your invaluable support of our new beginning with the Cuban people, which holds out the promise of better relations between our countries, greater cooperation across our hemisphere, and a better life for the Cuban people,” he said.
Obama quoted Psalm 118 in his opening remarks as he introduced Pope Francis to the thousands waiting for him on the South Lawn of the White House.
“What a beautiful day the Lord has made!” Obama exclaimed. “Holy Father, on behalf of Michelle and myself, welcome to the White House. Our backyard is not typically this crowded — but the size and spirit of today’s gathering is just a small reflection of the deep devotion of some 70 million American Catholics … and the way your message of love and hope has inspired so many people, across our nation and around the world.”
“Today, we mark many firsts,” Obama continued. “Your holiness, you have been celebrated as the first pope from the Americas. This is your first visit to the United States. And you are also the first pontiff to share an encyclical through a Twitter account.”
The pope just came off a four-day trip to Cuba where he celebrated at outdoor Masses with thousands of the island’s Catholic majority. He also met with Fidel Castro, whose government has been hostile to organized religion.
“You shake our conscience from slumber; you call on us to rejoice in ‘good news’ and give us confidence that we can come together, in humility and service, and pursue a world that is more loving, more just, and more free,” Obama said.
