For G.O.P., Pope Francis’ Visit to Congress Comes With Tensions

The pope’s visit comes with inherent tension for many Republicans, including those who are Catholic. While he has made no changes in church doctrine, Francis has forcefully staked out ideological ground opposite that of Mr. Boehner and his party. He has excoriated the excesses of capitalism as the “dung of the devil,” pleaded for action to stop global warming and enthusiastically supported the new nuclear accord with Iran.

For Republicans, fiscal issues are more immediate and problematic. They are pushing for spending cuts, including ones that would reduce funding for the poor, setting up a fight with Democrats that could lead to a government shutdown around the time of the pope’s remarks, which will be broadcast live from the West Front of the Capitol.

Many Republican leaders have been quietly discussing their fears of a spending fight or government shutdown during his visit. “That would be awful,” said Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine and a Catholic. “My hope is that we will all be infused with the spirit of St. Francis,” she added, suggesting that Congress would perhaps be moved to agree on some appropriation bills to avoid embarrassment.

For all the potential tension, Mr. Boehner remains thrilled, shelving ideological differences to honor Francis, who might sound to most Americans more like Bernie Sanders than Ronald Reagan.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/20/us/politics/for-gop-pope-franciss-visit-to-congress-comes-with-tensions.html