U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the statement below following today’s address by Pope Francis to a joint session of Congress:

“Pope Francis inspired me with his remarks today about the American Dream and his contemporary call to service, including action to tackle poverty, climate change, and displaced people and immigrants across the globe.

“So many families across the Tampa Bay community are grateful for Pope Francis’ efforts to normalize relations between the United States and Cuba. I hear from them on a daily basis -- mostly for help regarding their family still in Cuba. Pope Francis, who played an important role in normalization of relations, recognized ‘efforts made in recent months to help overcome historic differences.’  He noted that ‘[w]hen countries which have been at odds resume the path of dialogue – a dialogue which may have been interrupted for the most legitimate of reasons – new opportunities open up for all. This has required, and requires, courage and daring, which is not the same as irresponsibility. A good political leader is one who, with the interests of all in mind, seizes the moment in a spirit of openness and pragmatism. A good political leader always opts to initiate processes rather than possessing spaces.’  I hope my colleagues will consider the Pope’s encouragement and move now to lift the embargo that continues to impede opportunities for families and small businesses in America and Cuba.

“I hope the Pope’s call to action to address the challenges of the changing climate will resonate, especially in Congress and in the State of Florida. Pope Francis urged ‘a courageous and responsible effort to redirect our steps, and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity.’ He said that he is ‘convinced that we can make a difference’ and has ‘no doubt that the United States – and this Congress – have an important role to play. Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies, aimed at implementing a ‘culture of care’ and ‘an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.’’

“I was overjoyed to be joined by Sister Anne Dougherty of Tampa who has selflessly served so many across our community. On behalf of our neighbors across the Tampa Bay area, it was a privilege to hear directly from Pope Francis about the living American Dream when he said: ‘That dream continues to inspire us all. I am happy that America continues to be, for many, a land of ‘dreams.’ Dreams which lead to action, to participation, to commitment. Dreams which awaken what is deepest and truest in the life of a people.’”