All about the Pope in the US

[WanderingWinoZ]

Can't believe we don't have a thread yet for this.  I've been pretty anti-Catholic in the past, but love this Pope.  Going to be a pretty epic trip.  Can't wait to see what he says to Congress today & how all the GOP's heads explode.  It's crazy he's never stepped on US soil before...

I've heard it's pretty nuts in DC NYC & Philly with all the preparations & people expected to come hear him.

The whole Obama family & Bidens turned out to greet him at the airport.

[eclaires]

My SIL who lives in DC sent me a Pope Francis shirt!

I adore this pope. I think a lot of people tend to forget - because of the focus on issues like abortion - that up until fairly recently a significant majority of Catholics identified as Democrats. Overall, Catholic teachings outside of abortion align more closely with D positions, but of course you can make the argument about the government's role in implementing those teachings. Anyway the shift among Catholics over the years has fascinated me. I don't remember what the split is now but I've always found it interesting how much influence the pro life stance has had.

[eclaires]

Sept 23, 2015 6:40:42 GMT -5 pennypenny said:

FYI he speaks to Congress tomorrow. This is going to be the longest week of my life. Can't wait til Friday.

Sent from my SM-G920V using proboards

A friend of MH's works in DC for the Capitol police (I think that's right) and I keep meaning to ask if he's going nuts. I can only imagine. Actually I bet he will be at the wedding we are going to on Sunday in DC. We decided to make it a super quick trip for the wedding instead of going early because of the kids' schedule and MH's work but also to hopefully avoid any pope insanity despite my love for him.

[iammalcolmx]

My man got in a FIAT!!!

[penguingrrl]

It's pretty amazing! I'm no longer Cathokic but have tremendous respect for Pope Francis.

Although the I'll admit I'm selfishly annoyed about how this will impact Hs commute on Friday. The Pope is performing mass in Madison Square Garden at 6 and Penn Station is below MSG. H is at a class at work in Friday until 5:30 and a 20-25 minute subway ride from Penn Station. I suspect he won't be home until much much later. I'm rather annoyed his company isn't closing early like many companies are doing, but it's his second week there so he can't exactly ask to leave.

[CrazyLucky]

I think this pope is pretty cool, although I am not Catholic. To be honest, I will be thrilled when his visit is over. My mom lives in South Jersey and every time we talk, I get at least ten minutes on the Pope preparations. What bridges are closed, how far you have to walk to see him. Did you know they're expecting a MILLION people? They have 11 blocks of porta potties set up.
DH and I were talking about it. DS misheard me and asked who the Poop is? LOL. I'll have to tell my Catholic friends about that one.

[iammalcolmx]

He is about to be at the White House!!

[josieposy]

Sept 23, 2015 6:46:12 GMT -5 iammalcolmx said:

My man got in a FIAT!!!

They had the most perfect tweet on this too.

[iammalcolmx]

I am digging the Vatican's National Anthem.

[rosebud]

Pope looks bored

[iammalcolmx]

Sept 23, 2015 8:26:50 GMT -5 rosebud said:

Pope looks bored

I expect him to fall asleep any minute.

[ttt]

Tee hee


www.theonion.com/article/house-lawmakers-brainstorming-some-good-things-say-51359

[secretlyevil]

His speech is lovely.

[lilafowler]

Sept 23, 2015 8:49:05 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

His speech is lovely.

"God Bless America"
So cute!

[gummybear]

I love how he brings it so kindly - climate change and immigration. Such an important message delivered so beautifully. I hope people are listening.

[earlgreyhot]

Sept 23, 2015 6:40:42 GMT -5 pennypenny said:

FYI he speaks to Congress tomorrow. This is going to be the longest week of my life. Can't wait til Friday.

Sent from my SM-G920V using pro boards

I bet!

All the reports is that security and traffic have been going surprisingly smooth. I know that takes lots of good planning and hard work on the part of you and your colleagues. Thank you!

I'm doing what I can to make it easier on you....by staying home!

[sushi]

Sept 23, 2015 6:36:15 GMT -5 eclaires said:

My SIL who lives in DC sent me a Pope Francis shirt!

I adore this pope. I think a lot of people tend to forget - because of the focus on issues like abortion - that up until fairly recently a significant majority of Catholics identified as Democrats. Overall, Catholic teachings outside of abortion align more closely with D positions, but of course you can make the argument about the government's role in implementing those teachings. Anyway the shift among Catholics over the years has fascinated me. I don't remember what the split is now but I've always found it interesting how much influence the pro life stance has had.

I almost sent you one! They're everywhere.

I'm not sad about missing the chaos.

[StrawberryBlondie]

I'm selfishly annoyed how this is going to affect my work week. Everyone I work with is in NYC. With NYC schools closed today & tomorrow this week was going to be boring enough as it is.

[aurora]

Climate change "can no longer be left to a future generation."

[iammalcolmx]

Sept 23, 2015 11:41:57 GMT -5 aurora said:

Climate change "can no longer be left to a future generation."

I LOVE HIM

[redheadbaker]

Philly is, of course, turning this into a shit show. This SUCKS.

[ttt]

Sept 23, 2015 11:41:57 GMT -5 aurora said:

Climate change "can no longer be left to a future generation."

I look forward to seeing some members of Congress shift uncomfortably in their seats tomorrow morning.

Also love this article:

mobile.nytimes.com/2015/09/24/us/pope-francis-popularity-bridges-great-divides.html?referrer=

[earlgreyhot]

I SAW THE POPE FROM MY HOUSE!

I looked out and saw they'd closed off the streets, went about my biz and when I looked out again there was his motorcade and just coming through. Saw his white arm hanging out of the window.

We've been watching coverage all morning so it was exciting to see a glimpse with my own eyes.

[msmerymac]

I got tickets to go into Philly on Sunday when he's doing his mass. I'm a little insane. I probably won't see him though - I won't be one of the people camped out in front of the art museum at 5am.

[gummybear]

He looks so tired. I'd be tired and I'm 40 years younger than him.

Excitement is building here. A lot of people were wary about going downtown bc of the security but seeing him yesterday and today has renewed interest.

[WanderingWinoZ]

Sept 23, 2015 12:00:46 GMT -5 ttt said:

Sept 23, 2015 11:41:57 GMT -5 aurora said:

Climate change "can no longer be left to a future generation."

I look forward to seeing some members of Congress shift uncomfortably in their seats tomorrow morning.

Also love this article:

mobile.nytimes.com/2015/09/24/us/pope-francis-popularity-bridges-great-divides.html?referrer=

this especially, plus all the GOP / fox news spin afterwards

[redheadbaker]

I just walked by the Independence Hall area, and there were so many state and federal law enforcement vehicles, it feels like a militarized zone.

[teflepi]

A colleague works for the ADW in DC. She posted an amazing and very close pic. I had tix, but did not want to head to that craziness. I love him, so, though.

[WanderingWinoZ]

MSNBC just reported that Biden invited 2 guests to Meet & greet with the pope. They were the chairpeople of the "draft joe biden" (pac??) in iowa...

hmmmmm

[WanderingWinoZ]

WASHINGTON (AP) — A 5-year-old girl in a brilliantly colored dress and braids who was handed up to Pope Francis for a blessing during a parade in Washington on Wednesday morning urged the pontiff to give his blessing to immigration reform and push lawmakers to act.


Sophie Cruz, of South Gate, California, delivered a bright yellow T-shirt and a letter expressing wishes that her mother and father and millions of others who are in the U.S. illegally are allowed to remain in the country. Her trip was sponsored by an advocacy group.


"I'm scared that the ICE will take my family away," Sophie Cruz told The Associated Press in an interview, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.



Sophie got beyond a barricade and approached the popemobile, carrying the T-shirt that read in Spanish: "Pope: rescue DAPA, so the legalization would be your blessing." It refers to a program called Deferred Action for Parents of Americans, which would extend deportation protections to parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been in the country for some years, but is on hold after 26 states sued to block it.


Sophie shied back when a bodyguard came near. But when the pope gestured to her, she allowed the bodyguard to pick her up and bring her forward for a papal kiss and blessing. A guard passed the shirt and message into the popemobile.