A political test awaits Pope Francis on his first US visit

  • Religion

It is striking that Jorge Mario Bergoglio - better known as Pope Francis - has never been to the United States in his life. Not as a young priest growing up in Argentina, not as a tourist, and not even as a Bishop who was becoming ever more influential in the Roman Catholic Church.

But if you're going to come to America for the first time, this trip is the way to do it. In a rare honour, the President and the First Lady will be at the foot of the aircraft steps as Francis arrives at Andrews Air Force Base.

On Wednesday, the Pope will get a 21-gun salute when he visits the White House, and tens of thousands will greet him as he briefly tours the National Mall.

But on Thursday comes the political test for this astute and challenging Pope. For that is the day when he addresses a joint session of Congress, the first Bishop of Rome ever to do so. Adding to the impact, Francis will give the speech in English, a rare event. It is said he has been working hard on improving his accent.

Former US ambassador to the Vatican, Francis Rooney, said that the US needs to be open to debate with the Pope over controversial topics.

It is likely he will ask America's lawmakers to examine their consciences.

Is the US doing enough on climate change? Is it treating its poor and disenfranchised, including illegal immigrants, with dignity? Are America's indefensibly high (and racially skewed) incarceration rates really compatible with the status of a great nation?

Some Republicans are pushing back, suggesting the Pope has a socialist, anti-capitalist agenda.

This is Pope Francis' first visit to the US. Credit: Reuters

Some Republicans are pushing back, suggesting the Pope has a socialist, anti-capitalist agenda.

But to their credit, most Americans of all political stripes will listen to Francis, wanting to hear his message.

The next few days will undoubtedly ignite a debate and raise vital moral issues that challenge America.

That's why America needs Francis. He may never have been to this country before, but his mission this week appears to be to speak truth to power.

As one former Bishop stressed to me today, he must comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable.