I had something else scheduled for Thank You Thursday this morning but then I watched the Pope’s address on Capitol Hill.

Whether or not you are of his faith, whether or not you thought you’d care, whether or not your politics are his (and there is without a doubt, politics involved in these things), you have to admit that there exists a unique energy surrounding Pope Francis’ visit to the United States and oddly, I don’t think it all has to do with his being the Pope.

Understandably there are the religious followers, but this particular Pope seems to have an extraordinary number of fans that are not associated by religion. This is a man who has, from the very beginning, made it clear that he considers himself just a man. A man of passion and conviction certainly, but just a man. He’s done an admirable job of it too. I believe him.

Pope Francis’ address to Congress was fairly lengthy and done completely in English, a language that he has conceded is problematic for him. This in itself would have been impressive but there was so much more. He did not take advantage of what may have been the perfect opportunity to chide Congress and the United States for anything we’ve done that he might disagree with. He honored the things that we’re doing right. He showed respect for our country by recognizing that we as a nation cherish being the ‘Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave’. He did not stick his nose into practical working matters of our government, he simply challenged us and the world, to be the best human beings that we could be. He asked that we care.

We dedicate our Thank You Thursday to Pope Francis today because this remarkable man, who has proven that he is after all just a man, has uplifted our self esteem and our appreciation for our country from the halls of Congress like no politician has ever been able to do. Thank You Pope Francis, from a very impressed fan.