Pope Francis' Views On Climate Change, Inequality, And Immigration Could Have A Decisive Influence On The 2016 U.S. Elections

Pope Francis took a political swing during his six-day Papal visit in the country as he tackled issues that could make or break campaigns for the 2016 U.S. elections. At a joint session of Congress, the pope addressed climate change, immigration, and inequality-key issues that could influence the voting population's decision in the upcoming elections.

During his trip, Pope Francis spoke about migration and how lawmakers should reject the notion of hostility towards refugees and immigrants, The Guardian wrote Sept. 30. The pontiff told Congress, "On this continent, thousands of persons are led to travel north in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities. Is that not what we want for our own children? We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation."

Reflecting the views written in his encyclical, Pope Francis brought up the issue of climate change and repeatedly called people "to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity. I am convinced that we can make a difference and I have no doubt that the United States - and this Congress - have an important role to play. Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies."

His message on climate change is intimately linked with the issue on inequality. Addressing the United Nations, the pope emphasized the poor are most affected by climate change. The poor and our planet share the same sentiments and pleas. He also called for U.N. reforms and for sustainable development goals to embody "an important sign of hope".

Moreover, Pope Francis expressed his disapproval of death penalty and denunciation of religious discrimination.

Francis' views on such politically controversial issues may have given the impression of a left-leaning pope.  However, TIME wrote Sept. 22 that the pontiff clarified he is not liberal. "Some people might say some things sounded slightly more left-ish, but that would be a mistake of interpretation," the pope said. "It is I who follows the church ... my doctrine on all this ... on economic imperialism, is that of the social doctrine of the church."

Nevertheless, the pope's statements may still have a decisive influence on the people strong enough to tip the scales in the 2016 U.S. elections.