By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The Pope’s speech to a joint session of Congress today (Thursday) is being called special and energizing by those who witnessed it in person.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said he was taken by the Pope’s humility.

“From the minute he drove up to the White House in that little Fiat, I thought to myself, ‘This fella is for real,'” said Durbin. “From moving out of the papal apartments into a modest room, telling all of his cardinals and bishops to stow away their urban capes and red prada loafers, and genuinely seeking out and spending time with the poor.”

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) was energized by the fact Pope Francis accepted an invitation no pope has accepted before.

“He wanted to come deliver that message to what I think is the greatest institution of government in the world,” Davis said.

Davis added he hoped by parties will take what the pope had to say about government working together to heart.

“I hope that both parties will step up to the plate and ensure that we don’t go through another government shutdown,” Davis said.

Pope Francis called for abolishing the death penalty, something Davis said he’s willing to consider.

“I can easily agree with the pope to eliminate the death penalty,” said Davis. “I think his message too was about criminal justice reform.”

Durbin said he hoped the Pope’s visit will have a lasting impact.

“When you ask me, what is his winning formula, if there is such a thing for a pope? I think it’s genuineness on one hand, humility on another,” said Durbin. “And I think he continues to challenge all of us, every person whether you’re Catholic or not, to lead a better life and to help people.”

Durbin added he felt the Pope’s message was non-partisan and that people of all political stripes can support it.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].