Hoey notes pope's call for "common good'

The executive director of the Missouri Catholic Conference believes the messages being delivered by Pope Francis during his visit to the United States have been very pastoral in their tone.

After listening to Thursday's speech by the pope to a joint session of Congress, Mike Hoey said the pope was calling for Congress to bridge differences and work together.

"I think he was saying what ordinary Americans have been voicing a lot, and I think that was important," he said. "We need to think about the common good. Our political leaders should be servants rather than looking to get political favors."

Hoey said this pope leads more by example than words.

"He exudes an aura of joy and humility and has plenty of courage," he said. "Although he is quiet and firm, people see that and respect it, even if they don't agree with what he is saying."

Hoey said the pope's stances on ending abortion and the death penalty challenge both the liberal and conservative sides of politics.

"He is saying that all human life is sacred and that challenges everyone to think about protecting human life in a broader sense," Hoey said.

He also said those who believe Pope Francis has gone in a different direction are incorrect.

"This pope is very faithful to Catholic teaching," Hoey said. "He's advocating the positions of the church by being against abortion and opposing the death penalty, but he works for peace and justice so many may think he's doing something different. I think what's different is he's very willing to speak on these matters. He's gentle and kind but isn't afraid to put out the vision of how we should work for the common good. He won't back away from the teachings of the church."

Hoey thinks what the pope will say when he addresses the U.N. General Assembly today will mirror what he talked about with Congress, including a message of peace and cooperation.