Speaker John Boehner: Pope Francis To Be First Pope Ever To Address Congress (Video)
Speaker of the House John Boehner announces his “good news” about Pope Francis I coming to address a joint session of Congress, but neglects to acknowledge his sheer hypocrisy.
Today Speaker of the House John Boehner announces Pope Francis I has accepted his invitation and will become the first pope ever to address a joint session of the United States Congress.
The pontiff will visit Washington D.C. and speak on September 24. He will also tour Philadelphia and New York City.
Boehner, a Roman Catholic, had extended the invitation in March of last year, in a glaringly hypocritical statement.
“Many in the United States,†Boehner said in his invitiation, “have embraced Pope Francis’ reminder that we cannot meet our responsibility to the poor with a welfare mentality based on business calculations. We can meet it only with personal charity on the one hand and sound, inclusive policies on the other.†[Bolding ours]
Boehner also applauded the Pope’s “social teachings, rooted in ‘the joy of the gospel,’†aligning himself with “those who champion human dignity, freedom, and social justice.â€
The Speaker’s claims are stunning given the Republican party’s agenda to deny health care, welfare, food stamps, unemployment insurance payments, domestic violence protections, and so many other vital concerns to the American people, all while proclaiming to be “pro-family.”
Watch Boehner’s announcement from today:

Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.
![]() |