Austere Pope To Visit Richest Country On Earth
Pope plus President equals one of the biggest security challenges imaginable – especially when the pontiff has a knack for spontaneity.
Hundreds of thousands of onlookers are set to line the streets of Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York, hoping for a glimpse of Pope Francis as he makes his American debut.
The Pope has made it clear he's no fan of some of the principles America is based on. Capitalism and consumerism, he says, are hurting the poor.
And unlike some US conservatives, he says climate change is real – and it's our fault.
These beliefs will rile many on the right, but nor is he likely to become the darling of the left.
For example, many liberals wish he would push harder to reform Catholic teaching on same-sex relationships.
But the Pope seems at ease with the idea that he defies categorisation – he’s warned against what he calls the "ideological colonisation" of the modern world.
He has one consistent and abiding message: spend less, and help the poor.
But this is America, and entrepreneurs are hoping his visit will actually inspire people to spend more.
To coincide with his visit, you can buy a toaster that will adorn your breakfast with the Pope’s image.
Alternatively, you might want to invest in your very own Pope doll, or relax with a Pope Francis beer.
Merchandise aside, the itinerary has been carefully designed to promote the Pope Francis message of championing the worse off.
He’ll grace the corridors of power here in Washington DC, but then he’ll head out to the peripheries of society.
After visiting Congress, the Pope will go and meet the homeless.
Like his nine other trips abroad, he’ll highlight the plight of the vulnerable – only this time – he’s doing it in the richest country in the world.
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