What I loved about the Pope’s speech

People hate politics.

They see Washington crippled by partisan back and forth. They see politicians more interested in ideological bickering, or fighting for their own parochial interest rather than the common good.

So much of the commentary around the 2016 presidential campaign has revolved around which candidates are tapping into this frustration, or are giving voice to people’s anger.

Today, the Pope didn’t give voice to people’s anger over government. He gave voice to people’s hopes for it.

He warned against “the simplistic reductionism which sees only good or evil; or if you will, the righteous and the sinners.”

He advocated inclusion by urging that we “confront every form of polarization.”

He reminded us that “A good political leader is one who, with the interests of all in mind, seizes the moment in a spirit of openness and pragmatism. A good political leader always opts to initiate processes rather than possessing spaces.”

He didn’t remind us of politics’ many flaws. He reminded us of its obligations.

He didn’t tell people what they should hate about politics. He reminded politicians what people expected from them.

He didn’t deliver a message of anger and exclusion. He didn’t pass judgment on those he disagreed with. He delivered a message of hope, inclusion and understanding.

He walked into a room that has sadly become one of America’s greatest symbols of dysfunction, and shone a bright light on a path forward that all could walk down together.

In the end, that will be far more powerful a message than anything we’ve heard on the campaign trail so far.

At least I hope it is.