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Pope Addresses Crowd at White House and Comments on Immigrants, Environment, Families. Aired 1-1:30p ET

Aired September 23, 2015 - 13:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

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[13:00:06] DON LEMON, CNN ANCOR: Hello, everyone, Don Lemon here. Wolf is out today. 1:00 p.m. here in New York, 6:00 p.m. in London, 8:00 p.m. in Jerusalem. Wherever you are watching from around the world, thanks for joining us.

Of course, here in the United States, it is a day of ceremony and celebration in our nation's capitol with Pope Francis as a guest of honor.

Right now, the Pope is at St. Matthews Cathedral. There you see him in Washington, D.C. where he addressed American bishops with a message of tolerance and inclusion. At St. Matthews, Pope Francis addressed American bishops and made reference to the history of sexual abuse in the church.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

POPE FRANCIS, POPE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (translator): I know how much the wounds of these last few years have weighed on your spirit, and I have joined my efforts to yours in the efforts of succoring those victims. And when we bring succor, then the victims are healed and we have to hope that such crimes will never repeat themselves.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: And before that, for just the third time in history, the leader of the Catholic Church made an appearance at the White House where both President Barack Obama and the Pope struck a political tone with their remarks.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: You remind us that the lord's most powerful message is mercy. And that means welcoming the stranger with empathy and a truly open heart from the refugee leaving a war-torn country to the immigrant who leaves home in the search of a better life.

POPE FRANCIS: The efforts which were recently made to mend the broken relationships (ph) and to open new doors to corporation (ph) within our human family represent positive steps along the path of reconciliation, justice and freedom. (END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: Let's go back now to St. Matthews and listen in to the Pope addressing bishops.

POPE FRANCIS (translator) (live): -- them to be sure that they will crash on the reeves or be overwhelmed by the waves. And, therefore, my brothers, I encourage you to face the challenging issues of our time. Within each of these challenges is life as a gift and has responsibility. The future of freedom and dignity of our societies depends on how we will face these challenges. The innocent victims of abortion, the children who die of hunger or from bombings, the immigrants who drown in search for a better tomorrow, the elderly or the sick who are considered a burden, the victims of terrorism, wars, violence and drug trafficking, the environment devastated by man's predatory relationship with nature. At stake in all of this is always the gift of God of which we are noble stewards, not masters. It is wrong, then, to look the other way or remain silent.

No less important is the gospel of the family which in the world meeting of families in Philadelphia that I am about to embark on, I will emphatically proclaim together with you and the entire church. These essential aspects of the church's mission belong to the core of what we have received from the lord.

It is, therefore, our duty to preserve and communicate them even when the tenor of the times resists and becomes hostile to that message. I urge you to offer this witness with the means and creativity borne of love and with the humility of truth.

[13:05:25] This witness needs to be preached and proclaimed to those without, but it also needs to find room in people's hearts and in the conscious of society.

LEMON: And the Pope in Washington now really talking in some pretty controversial subjects this morning, mentioning global warming and this now talking about the victims of abortion, the children who die of hunger and drown -- and also drowning in waters, speaking of the Syrian refugees on the Syrian-Greek border.

Let's talk more now about the Pope's visit and the Pope's message. CNN Vatican Correspondent is Delia Gallagher. She joins us now from Washington. The significance, Delia, of this speech to American bishops.

DELIA GALLAGHER, CNN VETAICAN CORRESPONDENT: Well, this is important. He's delved right into, really, what are the heart of the issues for Pope Francis. And what he's doing here, Don, is drawing together the whole pie. He's saying this is a seamless garment which means it's a reference to the seamless garment of Jesus that he wore when he was carrying his cross. And that is said in the bible that soldiers cast lots for the garment of Jesus.

And in that seamless garment is the idea that you run from the protection of unborn life, abortion, through the end of life and all of the issues in between, immigration, as you mentioned, the people that die in the seas trying to escape famine and war. That is important for the Pope. The elderly, who are alone, that is important. Economic injustice, that is important.

This is where he is drawing all of those together to his brother bishops to say, have the courage to address these. We cannot remain silent in the face of these issues. And so, what we're seeing is the Pope bringing together what, for some, are more conservative issues and more liberal issues all together in this seamless garment.

LEMON: That's -- Delia, if you look at it in the political context, then it is controversial and it may be seen as liberal versus the conservative. But he is looking at it in the biblical context, as he has said, and there should be nothing controversial about it. He is reiterating, he says, what is in the doctrine.

GALLAGHER: Absolutely. I mean, that's his whole point here is that this is the social teaching of the church, and he's just bringing it forward. And he's bringing it forward so that his bishops, in turn, will bring it forward to the people.

Also, interesting, Don, is support, he says, of their work against the crimes of sex abuse. That's another important topic. We have seen the Pope, all morning, go straight into what are the top issues for him. That was, obviously, one that he needed to mention. He mentioned it in the place that we thought he might, i.e., with the bishops and gave full support for their continued work against, what he called, that the crime of the clerical sex abuse.

LEMON: It's very important using the word crime as well.

Thank you very much. Delia Gallagher, we'll see you later on in our coverage here on CNN.

In the meantime, the Pope's visit to the White House was filled with all of the pomp and pageantry that one would expect. The ceremony underscored the historic nature of the Pope's visit and its significance to Catholics as well as the rest of the country. I want you to take a look at some of the sights and sounds from this morning.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States and Mrs. Michelle Obama.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: What a beautiful day the lord has made. Holy Father, on behalf of Michelle and myself, welcome to the White House.

POPE FRANCIS: As the son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country which was lastly built by such families. I will have the honor of addressing Congress where I will hope, as a brother of this country, to offer words of encouragement for those called to guide the nation's political future, freedom reminds one of America's most precious possessions.

[13:10:03] All are called to be vigilant precisely as good citizens (INAUDIBLE) and defend that freedom from everything that would threaten or compromise it. I look forward to these days in your country. God bless America.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: All right. That was the Pope this morning. I want to get back now to St. Matthews as the Pope is about to wrap up his sermon to the bishops there. Let's listen in.

POPE FRANCIS (translator) (live): -- pilgrims. From the beginning, you have learned their languages, promoted their cause, made their contributions your own, defended their rights, helped them to prosper, and keep alive the flame of their faith.

Even today, no American institution does more for immigrants than your Christian communities. You are now facing this long stream of Latin immigration which affects so many of your diocese. Not only as a bishop of -- as the bishop of Rome but also as a pastor coming from the south, I feel the need to thank you and to encourage you.

Perhaps, it will not be easy for you to read their soul. Perhaps, you will be tested by their diversity. But rest assured and keep in mind that they also possess resources meant to be shared, and so open your arms and walk to them and welcome them without fear. Offer them the warmth and love of Christ and you will unlock the mystery of their heart.

I am certain that, once again, these people will enrich America and its church. May God bless you and our lady watch over you. Thank you.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, that was very nice.

LEMON: That was a message from the Pope this morning, just concluding at St. Matthews Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The Pope, of course, dealing with historical issues that has -- that have to do with the Catholic Church, but also dealing with current events, addressing the sex abuse scandal in the church, calling it a crime right out and also dealing with immigration as well.

The question is what is it like to be in the crowd on the south lawn at the White House for the Pope's visit, to be there in Washington to listen up close and personal to the Pope? CNN's Political Commentators Ana Navarro and Donna Brazile were there, and they are with us now from Washington, our Washington studios.

Ana, hello to you. Good afternoon. Good afternoon to you, Donna, as well. And I want you to set the scene for us. Describe what it was like to be there for the ceremony and to see the Pope first hand.

ANA NAVARRO, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: It was exciting. It was refreshing. It was spiritual. It was bipartisan. It was nonpartisan, in a way. I think people were not there as Republicans or Democrats in a town where everything lines up along those lines. People were there to see this Pope, to embrace his message of mercy. We saw, you know, so many members of Congress and Senate and people running for president.

[13:15:04] And let me tell you, Don, there were enough Cuomos and Kennedys there to fill up a plane. You know, there were celebrities there. Eva Longoria was sitting right behind Donna and I. She was there with her special needs sister who asked her to meet the Pope. She said there's one person in the world I want to meet, and it's the Pope. Eva thought it would be a lot easier if she'd asked to meet George Clooney, but -- so she brought her and her mom. So you saw -- you saw a lot of that. You saw a lot of families together. The Kennedys had so many of their little kids there on their shoulders. It was really a wonderful, wonderful occasion, particularly for those of us that are catholic and who see the Pope as this amazing spiritual leader.

You also saw a lot of leaders -- religious leaders of other faiths. There was -- you know, you saw people from the Greek church there. Pastor Rick Warren was there. It was a celebration of spirituality and faith and just, you know, it had -- we -- Donna and I were getting our catholic groove on is all I can tell you.

LEMON: And, you know, you know, Donna, Ana says it was bipartisan and, you know, if you -- we tend to -- because we're in a political season now, but quite often look at these things in a political light. But the Pope has said he's not speaking from a conservative or liberal point of view, he's speaking the doctrine. And, you know, as she said, it is also -- I've been speaking of religious leaders of all different faiths. It's not just bipartisan, it is bireligious if you can -- if that's a word.

DONNA BRAZILE, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Ecumenical. It really was, I believe, a celebration of our what I call deep spiritual need to be in fellowship with one another. Ana is absolutely right. We sat near T.D. Jakes (ph), you know, Pastor Jim Wallace (ph). I mean we -- there were so many people from so many faiths and so many denominations. Martin Luther King's daughter Bernice, Reverend Dr. Bernice King was there. it was just a moment of what I call pure joy to be that close --

LEMON: What's your personal takeaway? Your most personal moment, Donna?

BRAZILE: When he quoted Dr. Martin Luther King. When he talked about the promissory note. Remember, this is a Pope that understands history and really theology. And when he quoted Dr. King, it was just a moment when I just smiled. I said that he understands. I mean, not far away from where he was standing, Dr. King delivered the "I have a dream speech." That we have a commitment not just to this planet, but to each other. And the Pope reminded us of that spiritual journey that we're all on.

LEMON: Yes. I want --

NAVARRO: And there was a wonderful moment, Don, where, you know, there was -- there there was all this pomp and the circumstance and the color guard and there's bands playing and we're all dressed to the "t" sitting there and the Pope arrives in his little teeny Fiat. So here it just reminds you of the humility and authenticity and realness of this man and the -- and the fact that part of his appeal is that he walks the walk. He doesn't just tell people to focus on the poor. He --

LEMON: He does it.

NAVARRO: Acts with a humility and he does it.

LEMON: And he -- yes, and he reaches out and he touches people and that's, you know, a big concern for his security people, but that's who this Pope is.

I want both of you to stand by. We're going to get back to you and we're going to continue to move on here with our special coverage of the Pope's visit to the United States.

Up next today, the White House. Tomorrow, Capitol Hill. We're going to preview the Pope's address to Congress. Some lawmakers say he should stick to religion and steer clear of politics. We'll be right back.

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[13:23:10] LEMON: Welcome back to our viewers here in the United States and around the world. I'm Don Lemon.

The leader of the free world and the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics meet face-to-face in the Oval Office at the White House here in the United States. That's the extraordinary scene that played out today as President Obama met with Pope Francis. The two leaders agree on some major issues, rebuilding the U.S. ties with Cuba, reforming immigration, addressing economic inequality and climate change, but they differ on issues like abortion rights, on same-sex marriage and the contraceptive mandate under the health care law.

So let's bring back now CNN political commentators Ana Navarro, Donna Brazile, and along with them, senior political analyst Ron Brownstein. Thank you so much for joining us.

I just want to read a little bit of -- of what the Pope said here as he's talking about this. He said, the innocent victims of abortion, children who die of hunger or from bombings, immigrants who drown in search for a better life tomorrow -- for a better life tomorrow -- or a better tomorrow, I should say, the elderly or the sick are considered a burden, the victims of terrorism, wars, violence, drug trafficking, the environment, and he goes on and on and on. To some it may seem filled with political messages. And when he talks about people drowning, he's talking about the refugees, I believe, on the Turkish/Syrian border. I said Greek border earlier, I misspoke.

But, Ron, what kind of a readout are we getting from the White House on this meeting and -- and really on his speech?

RON BROWNSTEIN, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST: Well, you know, I think your chart really kind of shows it, that in many ways the Pope transcends our political boundaries. I mean he doesn't -- his message, his presence do not entirely fit on either side of our red/blue, left/right divide. But one exception I would say is I -- I think everyone has to be struck by how strongly he is emphasizing the immigrant experience. His first words really to America was, as the son of immigrant families, the kind of families that built your country, I think he is sending a very powerful message, just now, do not fear, when he was talking to the bishops, do not fear the demographic transformation of many of your diocese as the growth in the church is increasingly Hispanic. I think that is an unmistakable chord at a time when the political debate, particularly in the Republican presidential race, really has centered on these questions of American identity and who is or is not a legitimate member of the American community. I think the Pope has put a clear thumb on the scale in that -- in that question.

[13:25:28] LEMON: And, Donna, as we look at these live pictures now coming from St. Matthews, the bishops giving presentations to the Pope, giving him gifts and having short discussions, you know, we already heard the Pope touch on major issues in his speech at the White House. how political do you think, Donna, that his visit is likely to get here?

BRAZILE: Well, Don, I don't look at it in terms of what I call the politics, because if you are familiar with the catholic social teaching, if you're familiar with scripture, what the Pope is doing is basically telling us our obligations as Christians, as Catholics, what we're called to do when we accept the faith and we accept Jesus. So the Pope tomorrow he said he's going to encourage members of Congress and their responsibility to the rest of us. And I don't see it as political.

I mean, look, I don't have 100 percent agreement with the Pope. Like the Pope, I'm a sinner. And, in fact, if the Pope had time on his calendar, and he would need time, I would -- I would love to go to confession. But let me just say this, I think this Pope is going to offer words of wisdom to those who would like to hear what he has to say on many of these important issue. And if it falls on deaf ears, you know what, I believe this Pope will continue to pray for them, and we will continue to pray for this Pope, and his strength and his vitality to continue to deliver God's message here on earth.

LEMON: Hey, listen, I'm not -- I'm not a catholic, but I remember catechism. I had to go anyway because I went to a catholic school down in Louisiana.

BRAZILE: I can imagine you -- I can imagine.

LEMON: Donna, and we are -- which made me realize, we are all sinners. We are all sinners.

BRAZILE: Yes, we're sinners.

LEMON: Yes.

BRAZILE: Yes.

LEMON: So, Ana --

NAVARRO: Yes, but let me tell you, Don, if the Pope had to stay here to hear our confessions, it could -- it could be -- it could be days.

BRAZILE: It could be the rest of the year.

LEMON: Speak for yourself, Ana Navarro. But, listen, the Pope makes history tomorrow, Ana, when he becomes the first pontiff ever to address a joint meeting of Congress. You know some Republicans -- Donna says she's not looking at this in a -- in a political -- through a political lenses, but some Republicans want him to stick to religion and steer clear of politics. I want you to listen to what Governor Chris Christie said about the Pope's position on restoring ties with Cuba. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE (R-NJ), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I just think the Pope was wrong. And so the fact is that his infallibility is on religious matters, not on political ones.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: And I want to tell you --

BRAZILE: (INAUDIBLE).

LEMON: Yes, Ana, I want to tell you, if the White House briefing coming up, I'm going to have to cut you off. But, listen, how concerned are Republicans about the Pope's moral/liberal views?

NAVARRO: I think -- you know, I think most Republicans aren't. I think that most people are not watching it through a strict political spectrum and lenses. I think you're bring way too limited if that's what you're doing. You know, I heard where there was one congressman who was going to boycotting the Pope's speech yesterday. Well, lucky for him, God and the Pope love all of God's children, including the misguided ones. It's just, you know, don't do that. We -- look, all of us don't agree with the Pope 100 percent. There's probably very few Americans who agree with the Pope 100 percent. So I say, open up your hearts to the message of good, of unity, of mercy, of peace, of love, of inclusion, of his tone of inclusion that he's bringing, and, you know, leave the politics home, OK. If some politicians don't want the Pope to get involved in politics, I say fine, then you don't get involved in religion.

BRAZILE: Right.

NAVARRO: So let's just -- you know, let's draw the lines and everybody stick to their corners.

BRAZILE: Thank you. You know --

LEMON: Democrats are calling --

BRAZILE: Go ahead.

LEMON: On the Pope to jump right in on social and political issues -- I'll get both of you, Ron and Donna, to respond on this. I want you to take a look at these comments. It's from YouTube videos posted by House Democrats. Here it is.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We hope you will speak in support of comprehensive immigration reform.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So we ask you to use your voice to help us advocate for the undocumented and people living in poverty.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you for being a voice for the voiceless. It's time for Congress to take action and raise the minimum wage to help millions struggling to get out of poverty.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We hope you will address climate change and talk about how it especially hurts lower income communities and the most vulnerable.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Today I stand with my colleagues to urge you'll continue to push for action on climate change. Let's stand strong and defend our planet and our communities.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: Ron -- Ron, you're response first. It sounds like the Democrats are saying, bring it on.

BROWNSTEIN: Yes. Well, on -- you know, on certain issue, though.

BRAZILE: On certain issues, right.

[13:30:03] BROWNSTEIN: But as you point out, there are others where -- where the Pope's views in that seamless garment that he talked about, do not align with Democratic views. And I think it is a mistake for either side to try to enlist the Pope in their kind of