Can Trump & Pope Francis = Ronald Reagan & Pope St John Paul II ?

The Wall Street Journal accurately opened it’s article today with the statement that “President Donald Trump and Pope Francis met Wednesday for a fence-mending encounter …” They have had very public differences of opinion over handling immigration, healthcare and the war on terror.

In a short communiqué following the visit, the Vatican described points on which Mr. Trump and the pope agree, including abortion and religious liberty.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the result of this visit were a collaboration to defeat radical extremist, dismantle totalitarian regimes and welcome migrants displaced by related wars, religious and civil? A collaboration similar to the one established between President Reagan and Pope St. John Paul II to end the cold war and initiate the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Reagan and John Paul II had more areas of principled agreement than do Donald Trump and Pope Francis. Pope St. John Paul II grew up in Poland and understood the human destruction that was at the heart of the Soviet Communism. Francis grew up in Argentina, witnessing the repeated failures of Marxist governments in South & Central America, but apparently holds a more negative view of America and capitalist democracy than he does of Marxist totalitarian regimes. Pope Francis shares the love & commitment of Pope St. John Paul II, and all Popes, for the betterment of all peoples of the world. It would be historic if President Trump and Pope Francis can use their agreements on life and religious liberty to forge a partnership to defeat the evil enemies of humanity that run wild in our world today.

‘I won’t forget what you said’, the President tells the pontiff after their 30-minute meeting.

Maybe this statement signals a start.

After Wednesday’s meeting with the pope, the president tweeted effusively: “Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world.”

Let’s hope the two leaders can figure out how to do this together, with strength, a coordinated strategy and love.

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