On Wednesday morning, September 22, the whole country was watching the news to see Pope Francis driving to the White House in his Fiat 500L. He met with President Obama and talked about major world issues such as immigration, religious liberty, and climate change. He also spoke of how people are polluting the Earth and need to band together to make a change. The visit united President Obama and Pope Francis to change the world.

Then, on September 23, Pope Francis visited St. Matthew’s Cathedral in prayer with U.S. Bishops. He also led Mass at a Spanish Missionary Church. While in D.C, the Pope visited a few churches, spoke to Congress, and then was off to New York. Once he got there, he visited more churches, and made a speech at a UN Meeting.

After speaking to the UN on Friday, Pope Francis visited Ground Zero to pay his respects and spoke to families of the victims of 9/11. Afterwards, he led a Multi Religious Meeting with Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Zoroastrian leaders at 11:30 that morning. Many saw this as an example of the Pope’s tolerance towards all people, even if they lack a Christian background. If that wasn’t enough, Friday evening he led Mass at the Madison Square Gardens in New York.

But the most important take away from the Pope’s visit was his emphasis on climate change. Scientists have been warning the world for years that the Earth is warming, and now the Pope is addressing the world about the problem. He is shedding light on how awful greenhouse gases are affecting the Earth, and helping people realize they need to change something. When Pope Francis addressed congress — the first pope to ever do this — he talked a great deal about how the world, as an international community, have to stop the warming of the Earth. His multiple speeches about the issue have helped to bring awareness to the problem of climate change, inspiring many people to start the wheels of change.

Pope Francis’ visit has been revolutionary. He was the first pope to speak to Congress about many world issues, is currently the highest ranking religious leader to visit the World Trade Center, and the whole country watched him arrive and greet President Obama. He has affected many lives and is changing the world — one blessing at a time.

Contributions by Anna Chuo