I read the transcript of Pope Francis’s speech to Congress. I tend to do that, rather than let pundits slice and dice a speech and tell me what the person said. In this case, the Pope didn’t say anything earth-shaking. And yet, it was great hearing words like these in the public sphere.

Here are some of my take-aways.

• Overall, he was very affirming of America, the American people, and the values on which America is built.
• He was not preachy. He made his points without being (too) pointed.
• It was a positive, hopeful speech–not berating humanity for falling short, but encouraging humanity to do well.
• There were statements conservatives will dislike, and statements liberals will dislike.
• Although the Pope has every right to be prophetic, he didn’t go that route. He avoided correction and condemnation. Instead, he stated his case with gentleness, softly prodding us in the direction he wanted us to go.

Here are a few quotes I drew from the speech (but I encourage you to read the whole thing for yourself):

“We know that in the attempt to be freed of the enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within. To imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place. That is something which you, as a people, reject. Our response must instead be one of hope and healing, of peace and justice.”

Discussing American Indians to make a point about immigrants: “Those first contacts were often turbulent and violent, but it is difficult to judge the past by the criteria of the present. Nonetheless, when the stranger in our midst appeals to us, we must not repeat the sins and the errors of the past.”

“We need to avoid a common temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves troublesome. Let us remember the Golden Rule: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ (Mt 7:12).”

“Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated. Let us seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves. In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities. The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us.”

“In these remarks I have sought to present some of the richness of your cultural heritage, of the spirit of the American people. It is my desire that this spirit continue to develop and grow, so that as many young people as possible can inherit and dwell in a land which has inspired so many people to dream. God bless America!”