Mater Dei High School Students

Editor’s note: Upper grade level students at Mater Dei High School in Evansville wrote essays about Pope Francis’ recent visit to the United States. Here are some excerpts.

• When Pope Francis talks about our environment, he makes it quite clear that we need to take great action in restoring a healthy world. He also talked about the death penalty and abortion and how every human life matters. Life is a precious gift and should not be taken away from anyone. Madison Schuler

• I believe that the most compelling message to America was when he spoke about aiding the immigrants. . . . He reminded us that we all come from a line of immigrants, and that we were all foreigners at one point. I think that really got Americans to ponder and come to the realization that he was right. Mariah Schneider

• A couple of topics that were the most compelling for millions of Americans were the pope’s discussion points on acceptance of immigrants and his desire to abolish the death penalty. Although these are both very serious and much debated topics in America, the way in which the pope relayed his views on each was presented with respect to all citizens of the United States. His messages brought about hope and a renewed faith for many across the nation. Anna Raben

• Pope Francis renewed my faith because the way he talked about life and family made me evaluate my own. It made me think if I was putting family first and being thankful for all they do in my life. It also made me think that I should help or volunteer to help families out there that are struggling. Lauren Bury

• Since being elected, Pope Francis has been changing the game. Francis is the first pope who has captured my attention from the beginning of his papacy. Francis has renewed my faith because he is putting more focus on those who live in poverty. He doesn’t just donate to those who are poor, but he takes the time to talk and pray with them. Melissa Roales

• The way Pope Francis acts is how I imagine Jesus acted during His time here on earth. I thought that during his address [to Congress] he would put people in their place and come out strongly against issues such as abortion and same sex marriage. Instead, he found common ground to connect with everybody without harsh judgement. Abby Masterson

• Through his efforts to break down the pope’s traditionally luxurious commodities, he has encouraged not only Catholics but Christians worldwide to break free from materialism. In doing so, he has attracted many non-Catholics to the faith by reverting to the essence of Christianity: goodwill. One of my favorite qualities in Pope Francis is his warm, welcoming attitude. Valerie Muensterman

The Message will publish more excerpts next week.