Pope Francis should stay politically neutral

For the third time in history, a Roman Catholic Pope is visiting America. Pope Francis arrived to Joint Base Andrews at 4 p.m., Tuesday, and was personally greeted by President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and their families.

This personal welcome on the president’s behalf was a sign of utmost respect to Francis because presidents rarely greet foreign visitors at Andrews.

However, when Pope Benedict XVI arrived in 2008, President George W. Bush made an exception and received the pope at the airport. President Obama followed suit, and met Francis with open arms.

Not only did the president and vice president greet the pope, but top cardinals and bishops from the U.S. Catholic Church, including the archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, and the archbishop of Galveston-Huston, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo were present when Francis landed.

Francis has a vigorous schedule ahead of him during his time in America.

“During my visit I will have the honor of addressing Congress, where I hope, as a brother of this country, to offer words of encouragement to those called to guide the nation’s political future in fidelity to its founding principles,” Francis said. “I will also travel to Philadelphia for the Eighth World Meeting of Families, to celebrate and support the institutions of marriage and the family at this, a critical moment in the history of our civilization.”

During his time in the United States, Francis will also visit New York City to address the U.N. General Assembly.

Francis has stated that while giving his speech to the members of Congress, he will address the issue of climate change. Considering the progressive and liberal viewpoints that the pope has voiced since he was chosen as the pope in 2013, the address to Congress may spark some thoughtful conversations in the legislature.

The pope has a Masters of Science in chemistry, so his views about climate change are vetted in science, but laced with an obligation to follow the church and his doctrine on all issues.

As a global religious figure, the pope should distance himself from the realm of politics. He should be a figure that Catholics of all backgrounds can stand behind and look up to.

Francis is proving to be quite the diplomat, his hand in the relationship between the United Stated and Cuba being a prime example. However, it is not his place to form political opinions.

Furthermore, his attempt to sway Congress toward a verdict on the perceived global climate issue is overstepping a bound that may push some Catholic followers away from the unified stance that they should have.

The first amendment separates church and state, and there is good reason for that. Although the pope is not governed by the constitution, he should respect the provisions that our founding fathers have laid out.

When in Rome, do as Rome does, but when in the United States, do as we do; and separate church from state.