The Pope Francisco indicated that "it is a critical moment in history" to address the environmental problem and indicated that "climate change is a problem that can not be left to the next generation," when meeting with US President Barack Obama in the White House in Washington.
the pontiff arrived in 9:20 Local (10.20 in Argentina) and moved to the gardens of the residence of the head of state, which was welcomed by thousands of guests and gave a speech with Obama.
When you start your words, Pope remarked be "son of an immigrant family" and stressed that United States "was built largely by such families."
"American Catholics, along with their fellow citizens, are committed to building a truly tolerant and inclusive society, where the rights of individuals and communities are safeguarded, and all forms of unjust discrimination is rejected, "he said.
the Pope also referred to the environmental problem and he said "it is clear that climate change is a problem that can not be left to the next generation."
"with regard to the care of our 'common home', we are living at a critical moment in history . We still have time to make the changes necessary to achieve sustainable and comprehensive development, because we know that things can change, "he said in clear reference to his encyclical 'Laudato si'.
" These changes require that we become aware seriously and responsibly, not only the kind of world we might be leaving our children, but also of the millions of people living under a system that has ignored them, "he said.
in addition, Francisco quoted fighter for the rights of African Americans, Martin Luther King , saying that "we could say that we have breached a promissory note and now is the time to pay it off."
Finally, the leader of the Catholic Church stressed that he would like the US "support initiatives by the international community to protect the most vulnerable of our world and to bring about comprehensive and inclusive development models, so that our brothers and sisters everywhere enjoy the blessing of peace and prosperity that God wants for all his children. "
" I have high hopes for these days in their country, "said Francisco Obama to end the traditional" God bless America ".
Meanwhile, the Democratic party leader thanked Francis for his" invaluable support "to the" new beginning "between his country and Cuba, which, he said, offers the" promise "of a better bilateral relations, greater cooperation across the continent and "a better life for the Cuban people."
"Holy Father, we are grateful for their invaluable support for our new beginning with the Cuban people, which offers the promise better relations between our countries, greater cooperation across the continent and better for the Cuban people life, "said the president.
around noon, Jorge Bergoglio will cover a part of the city center in the popemobile, visit the cathedral of Saint Matthew and close the day with a Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest in the country, where he will canonize Blessed Juníspero Spanish Serra to about 25,000 people.
Source: Telam