During the flight, Francis defended himself against conservative criticism that his condemnation of trickle-down economics makes him a communist.
"I am certain that I have never said anything beyond what is in the social doctrine of the church," he said.
The "religious" Right have no idea what a TRUE Christian is!
Your MessiahRushie wants Francis to be more like the "CON$ervative" Pope Benedict.
September 23, 2015
RUSH:
During the second term of George W. Bush, Pope Benedict showed up, and it was his birthday...This ceremony was about God, Christ, country. I mean, it was exactly what the country needed at the time. It wasn't about a single political issue. I was riveted. I couldn't take my eyes off of it, which is why I did everything I could -- I just wanted to tell President Bush that on the phone, and they found him running around on his way somewhere between meetings.
And this today was markedly different. I'm not rendering a judgment on it whatsoever. Do not anybody put words in my mouth that I'm not saying.
FRANCIS: Mr. President, I am deeply grateful for your welcome in the name of all Americans. As the son of an immigrant family, I am a happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families. (Applause)
RUSH: Well. Well, well, well, well. So the pope says go ahead and count me in here on your immigration battle. I am related to immigrants, and immigrants built your country, and I'm a guest in your county, so count me in.
BREAK TRANSCRIPT
LISANTE: Someone said to me once, they were quoting Rush Limbaugh, "Do you think he's a Marxist?" And I said I'm sure he's not a Marxist. He might have certain socialist tendencies.
What he really is, which is far more frightening, is a true Christian. Remember the bracelets they used to wear years ago "What would Jesus do?" And Jesus would hang with the poor and the handicapped, the disabled. He'd say "Welcome" to strangers. He'd go to visit people in prisons. He would do all the loving, caring and compassionate things. He'd say to a person involved with abortion, "I'm sorry you went through that, but come home and know that you're welcome here."
This is the work of Jesus Christ, and he does it well.
RUSH: Okay, so the way this is explained, therefore, is to say that
any religious leader who is saying things like Pope Francis is saying is simply repeating the words of Christ. And so it has manifested itself now that it is
the popular opinion among people that are really not informed is that Christ was a modern-day liberal Democrat. You know, I still find this incredible.
Pope celebrates his 81st birthday on the White House lawn as enthralled guests sing Happy Birthday... twice
President Bush said that the visit was a reminder for Americans to "distinguish between simple right and wrong".
"We need your message to reject this dictatorship of relativism and embrace a culture of justice and truth," Mr Bush added.
"In a world where some see freedom as simply the right to do as they wish, we need your message that true liberty requires us to live our freedom not just for ourselves, but in a spirit of mutual support."
But while acting the proud father,
Bush also seemed to suggest that America could use a little tough talking-to by the pontiff.
"In a world where some treat life as something to be debased and discarded, we need your message that all human life is sacred and that each of us is willed, each of us is loved, and each of us is necessary," the president said, drawing sustained applause.
These two leaders share much common ground, particularly in opposing abortion, gay marriage and embryonic stem cell research. But there are plenty of differences.
They disagree over the war in Iraq, the death penalty and the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba. Benedict also speaks for environmental protection and social welfare in ways that often run counter to Bush policies.
And the pontiff told reporters on his plane that he planned to bring up immigration policy with Bush during their private Oval Office meeting. Benedict has talked forcefully in the past about the damage caused by punitive immigration laws.
A joint U.S.-Holy See statement issued afterward suggested that Benedict followed through. It said the leaders discussed "the need for a coordinated policy regarding immigration, especially their humane treatment and the well being of their families."