President Obama shares how Pope Francis's visit to the U.S. makes him want to be better

Pope Francis' visit to the U.S. leaves lasting affect on country

It has been a week since Pope Francis' historical visit to the U.S. However, his presence and inspiration continues to linger as President Obama revealed he wants to become better after his meeting with the Pope.

WASHINGTON D.C. (Catholic Online) - The pope is back in Italy following his historic visit in the United States, but his visit has left a lasting inspiration in the country, as Obama declared how the Holy Father makes him want to become better.

"I think that when I spend time with somebody like the pontiff, then it makes me want to be better, makes me want to do better," President Obama shared during a news conference last Friday. "That's part of the wonderful thing about Pope Francis, is the humility that he brings to do this."

The President addressed Pope Francis' messages to America and the world as a whole. He said that his holiness has the capabilities to "make us uncomfortable in his gently way." The pontiff also has the capacity to inspire kindness no matter what political camp you sit at.

"He's constantly prodding people's consciences and asking everybody all across the political spectrum what more you can do to be kind and to be helpful, and to love, and to sacrifice, and to serve," Obama continued.

The president felt that the pope reached into all our consciences. "We all have to then search ourselves to see if there are ways that we can do better," expressed Obama.

During the pope's visit to the U.S., Obama and the pontiff discussed climate change, religious freedom and the migrant crisis in Europe. The pope also spent time visiting victims of sexual abuse and secretly met with Kentucky clerk, Kim Davis.

The pope's final message to the U.S. before he boarded the plane for his return to Rome was, "My days with you have been brief. But they have been days of great grace for me and, I pray, for you too. Please know that as I prepare to leave, I do so with a heart of full gratitude and hope. This land has been blessed with tremendous gifts and opportunities. I pray that you may all be good and generous stewards of the human and material resources entrusted to you."

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