Standing between the Vice-President, a Democrat, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a Republican, Pope Francis made his point plain:
“I’ll ask God to bless [the children]. Father of all, bless these; bless each of them; bless the families. Bless them all. And I ask you all, please, to pray for me. And if there are among you, any who do not believe, or cannot pray, I ask you please, to send good-meant wishes, my way. Thank you very much, and God Bless America!”