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It is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life. [...] Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned.

Pope Francis

Address to U.S. Congress, **2015** · Checked on 2 March 2026
It is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life. [...] Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor, those already born, the destitute, the abandoned.

Analysis

The quoted passage matches **exactly** the official transcript of Pope Francis’ September 24, 2015, speech to a joint session of Congress, as published by the Vatican and corroborated by major news outlets. The first sentence critiques selective progressive values regarding abortion, while the second expands the moral imperative to marginalized groups, aligning with his consistent advocacy for 'a culture of life' and social justice. No credible sources dispute the accuracy of the quotation or its context.

Background

Pope Francis’ 2015 U.S. visit included a historic address to Congress, where he blended Catholic teaching on abortion with calls for economic equity and environmental stewardship. The speech was widely covered for its diplomatic balance, addressing contentious issues like abortion (without using the term) while urging action on poverty and climate change. His framing of 'sacredness' of life—unborn and born—reflects the Catholic doctrine of *consistent ethic of life*.

Verdict summary

Pope Francis did make this statement during his 2015 address to the U.S. Congress, verbatim as quoted, emphasizing the sanctity of life across all stages and conditions.

Sources consulted

— Vatican Official Transcript: *Address of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Joint Session of the United States Congress* (September 24, 2015) – [http://w2.vatican.va](http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2015/september/documents/papa-francesco_20150924_usa-us-congress.html)
— C-SPAN: *Pope Francis Address to Joint Meeting of Congress* (2015) – [https://www.c-span.org](https://www.c-span.org/video/?328320-1/pope-francis-address-joint-meeting-congress)
— The New York Times: *Pope Francis, in Congress, Pleads for Unity on ‘the Common Good’* (September 24, 2015) – [https://www.nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/us/pope-francis-congress-speech.html)
— National Catholic Reporter: *Full text of Pope Francis’ speech to Congress* (2015) – [https://www.ncronline.org](https://www.ncronline.org/news/people/full-text-pope-francis-speech-congress)