Richard A. Sokerka
The countdown is officially on.
In just a few days, Pope Francis will set foot in the United States for the first time as he visits Washington, D.C. New York City and Philadelphia from Sept. 22 to 27.
With the theme, “Love is Our Mission,” the pope’s visit will be full of “historic firsts.” When he arrives in Washington on his first leg of the visit, he will addresses a joint session of Congress — a papal first.
In another “first,” Pope Francis will canonize Blessed Junipero Serra, the Franciscan friar who founded a mission in Baja, California and the first nine of 21 Spanish missions in California from San Diego to San Francisco, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic church in the Americas. The canonization will be another “first” — as never before has someone been raised to sainthood on American soil.
In New York, the Pope will make time for yet another “first” — visiting students at a Catholic school in Harlem.
His presence at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia — yet another “first,” the first time the gathering will be held in the United States — will inspire families in their mission of love.
And although he is not the first pontiff to address the United Nations General Assembly, his speech comes during the United Nations’ 70th anniversary, in which its members are expected to make decisions about sustainable development, climate change and peace in war-torn nations. No doubt his speech will inspire the international community to redouble its efforts for social justice, assisting migrants and in respecting life at all stages.
Look for more “firsts” in Pope Francis’ speeches. In general, his speeches — whether to heads of state, civic leaders, the elderly or young people — acknowledge what is going well and being done right, then seeks to build on that. It’s a combination of a pat on the back and a nudge forward. It will be interesting to see how this dynamic found in most of his speeches plays out when he speaks to a joint session of Congress.
It’s an exiting moment in the history of our nation, and certainly a proud moment for all Catholics to have the Vicar of Christ on earth among us. Let us join together in welcoming him with open arms, and put his words of love into action as followers of Jesus Christ are called to do.