In September 22-27, Pope Francis will visit the United States, making stops in Washington, New York, and Philadelphia. Most discussion in anticipation has focused on the Pope’s attendance at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia and what he might say (or not say) in light of conflicts within the Church over family policies and in light of the recent legalization of gay marriage in the US by the Obergefell Supreme Court decision.
But the visit should also prompt us to look back at past papal visits and consider the Holy See’s attitude toward the United States more generally. Doing so helps put the significance of the upcoming visit in broader context.
Read Full Article »