WASHINGTON - In a single sentence, Pope Francis has shown how he transcends the ideological polarities of U.S. politics.

In his address to bishops, the pope spoke out against abortion, an issue close to the heart of Republicans, and against environmental devastation, a surefire applause line for Democrats. He spoke on behalf of immigrants, too, and pushed a few other hot buttons. All in one sentence.

He said: "The innocent victim of abortion, children who die of hunger or from bombings, immigrants who drown in the search for a better tomorrow, the elderly or the sick who are considered a burden, the victims of terrorism, wars, violence and drug trafficking, the environment devastated by man's predatory relationship with nature - at stake in all of this is the gift of God, of which we are noble stewards but not masters."

Such positions will be placed in front of Congress on Thursday when Francis addresses lawmakers. Each position is a potential applause line, but not for everyone who will be there.