It took Pope Francis just a few minutes to wade into the mire of American politics — and to jab a finger in the eye of conservative Catholics — during his address at the White House Wednesday morning.

“Mr. President, I find it encouraging that you are proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution,” the pontiff said after only 255 words, drawing applause from the heavily Democratic crowd.  But in his 616-word speech, he never mentioned the sanctity of life and of traditional marriage, which Republicans would have appreciated.

What gives, Holy Father? Just one day before his remarks, the U.S. Senate failed to pass a ban on abortion after five months of pregnancy, when scientific consensus agrees a child can feel pain. Yet no mention.

Many American Catholics have struggled, prayed and voted against the political tyranny of the pro-abortion industry in the United States, and to protect the sanctity of marriage for years.

It is remarkably disappointing that Francis, in his first opportunity to stand in solidarity with those Catholics, rather chose to stand with President Obama in his quest to shutter American energy jobs in the name of going green.

The Pope as politician has advocated more “acceptance” for illegal aliens in the United States, the acceptance of more Syrian migrants across the Western world, the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state, pushed the narrative of global warming as man made, and called on rich nations to do more to combat climate change. Francis also warned capitalism could produce “the dung of the devil.”

Where in the Gospels is the chapter where the Lord kicks the coal miners out of the Temple? 

Where in the Gospels is the part where the Lord kicks the coal miners out of the Temple? Where in the Canon Law of the Church is the reference to the outline of the Papal role in mixing it up in the temporal political affairs of sovereign nations? It must be right after the part on the evils of capitalism.

“By virtue of his office he possesses supreme, full, immediate, and universal ordinary power in the Church,” reads Book II, Part II, Section I, Chapter I, Article I of the Code of Canon Law in regards to the Roman Pontiff.

For the Catholics concerned with holding political views divergent from the Holy Father it is crucial to keep in mind the Pope has supreme authority only the governance of the Church, and authority to teach in matters of faith, and morals.

On political matters “his opinions there are no more important than anybody else’s — and I’m saying that as a Catholic,” said New York Republican Rep. Peter King.

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“He is a moral authority and as a moral authority is reminding us of our obligation to be good caretakers of the planet,” said Catholic Senator Marco Rubio of the Pope. ”I’m a political leader and my job as a policymaker is to act in the common good,” Rubio continued.

The Pope is first, foremost, and always a pastoral leader. The Bishop of Rome is meant to shepherd the faithful and the body of the Church alike closer to the teachings and love of Jesus Christ.

Pope John Paul II’s criticisms of Communism, and his groundbreaking visit to Poland, defying the Iron Curtain were the actions of a pastor, and a shepherd. Pope John Paul II believed Communism to be a true evil, and a true threat to the Church. To combat that threat by emboldening Eastern Europeans to express their faith was in keeping with the Pope’s first responsibility to mankind, to bring them closer to Christ, and to protect the body of the Church.

To call for carbon reductions at the cost of American jobs and the wellbeing of thousands of American families, is not.

To call for carbon reductions at the cost of American jobs and the wellbeing of thousands of American families, is not.

There is still plenty for American Catholic conservatives to admire about Francis: his humility, and his love for the sick and dying jump to mind.

But when it comes to politics, we should disagree with the Pope, and disagree loudly.

Pope Francis did not bring a much more welcome message in his address to Congress Thursday, giving the sanctity of life only a passing nod. For American Catholics concerned with the direction of our nation, we shouldn’t hold our breath, and most importantly, should look to ourselves to continue the fight.