Pope Francis Visits the US, Receives Rude Welcome From Republicans

Pope Francis touched U.S. soil for the first time this Tuesday, September 22, 2015, reports CNN. In an unparalleled welcome for a foreign dignitary, the pontiff was personally greeted by President Barack Obama and the First Family, along with Vice President Joe Biden and his family upon arrival.

His Holiness was also welcomed warmly by a crowd of presumably Catholic worshippers, yelling: "Ho Ho, Hey, Hey, Hey, Welcome to the U.S.A." While the Pope was greeted warmly on his first day in the United States, there has been some tension caused by his visit.

In fact, prior to the religious leader's arrival, Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) already declared that he intended to boycott the Pope's address to a joint session of Congress, states MSN. The pontiff is scheduled to address Congress this Thursday, which has received some negative reactions from Gosar and a few other Republicans as well.

The Politico explains that the Republicans' hostility towards the Pope is rooted in his political viewpoints, which do not align with GOP beliefs. Pope Francis is known to have strong political views and has been quite vocal about it, including the need to fight against climate change and to strive for economic justice.

Due to his political views, Gosar has called the Pope a leftist politician with socialist beliefs, reports Occupy Democrats. "This climate change talk has adopted all of the socialist's talking points, wrapped false science and ideology into 'climate justice' and is being presented to guilt people into leftist's policies," said Gosar.

Like most Republicans, Gosar wants the Pope to address only religious issues during his meeting with Congress. "I'm hopeful that Pope Francis will speak to these two issues: One is the church's unfailing and steadfast opposition to abortion, the position that life begins at the moment of conception..."

"Second component that is so strong among the Catholic Church is the position of marriage, and it being between a man and a woman," he added.

In contrast, the Democrats look forward to the Pope's remarks in the upcoming joint session of Congress, since it will be the first time the party's political views have aligned with the leader of the Catholic Church.

"I hope that [the Pope] says [that we should treat the poor well], and I hope that he says that particularly loudly to the right side of the aisle," commented Rep. Linda Sanchez.

What do you think about Pope Francis' political views? Should His Holiness stick to religious matters alone? Share your thoughts in the comments below.