By JM Rieger and Matt Fuller

Speaker John A. Boehner dodged questions Thursday about whether Pope Francis’ climate change encyclical would spur congressional action on the topic.“Well one thing we know about this pope is he’s not afraid to challenge everyone’s thinking on issues, frankly one way or another,” Boehner said. “And I admire his dedication to the poor and his work to protect the sanctity of life, and frankly I respect his right to speak out on these important issues.”