President Stevens at Pope’s Historic Visit

College of Saint Mary (CSM) President Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, travelled to the nation’s capital in September to witness Pope Francis’ historic presentation to the U.S. Congress. Stevens’ trip was at the invitation of Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer.

It was an emotional event for Stevens, who surprised herself by tearing up when Pope Francis entered the Congressional chambers. The occasion was miraculous, she says. “Fifty years ago we were, as a country, afraid to elect a Catholic to the presidency. The public was afraid that the pope would be able to tell the president what to do. And here we were, with Congress welcoming the pope with a standing ovation!”

His message to the audience was simple, says Stevens, “that all may be one.”

Stevens says that the pope’s message was that we are in this world together; we are at our best when we care for one another and the earth, as well. But realizing that simple message will be complicated and difficult.

Stevens joined with at least 95 other leaders in U.S. Catholic higher education in supporting Pope Francis’ message on climate change and social justice. The pope’s encyclical, Laudato Si’ identified those crises as defining characteristics of our time, and a serious threat to our future.

The pledged universities will work together as institutions of higher learning “to study, promote and act on Pope Francis’ ideals and vision of integral ecology, and to provide influential leadership in addressing climate change and social justice.”

Photo Caption: Preparing to enter the Congressional Chambers at the U.S. Capitol for Pope Francis’ address to Congress on Sept. 24, from left: President Dr. Maryanne Stevens, RSM, and Nebraska State Senator Deb Fischer.