Pope Francis to the US bishops

The full text of Pope Francis' address to the bishops of the United States can be found here.

It is resplendent with the beauty of a universal pastor who genuinely desires to "confirm his brethren" - and, as Pope Francis himself notes - it is in continuity with the teaching offered by his predecessors during their visits to the same country. You do need to read the whole to appreciate its beauty... especially the passage about dialogue which follows on from the excerpt below:

And yet we are promoters of the culture of encounter. We are living sacraments of the embrace between God’s riches and our poverty. We are witnesses of the abasement and the condescension of God who anticipates in love our every response.

Dialogue is our method, not as a shrewd strategy but out of fidelity to the One who never wearies of visiting the marketplace, even at the eleventh hour, to propose his offer of love (Mt 20:1-16).

 And note among Pope Francis' references to the challenges faced by the American bishops:

I appreciate the unfailing commitment of the Church in America to the cause of life and that of the family, which is the primary reason for my present visit.

I have not been able to follow Pope Francis apostolic journey closely - but please do look out for the texts of his addresses which I am sure are very worthwhile. And for the lovely photos with the President of the United States during the Holy Father's visit to the White House!