Paul Ryan on Faith, Scalise: ‘I Prayed Constantly … I’m a Strong Person of Faith’

EXCERPT:

RYAN: “Yeah. I mean, I -- I prayed constantly. You know, I’m a strong person of faith as well. As Catholics, we don’t usually wear it on our sleeves, but our prayers have been answered. We prayed for Steve and his family, we prayed for Crystal and Bailey who are friends of ours. We all know each other. And I also prayed for the country. You know, obviously I think the person was mentally disturbed, but to take political emotions and beliefs and to turn it into that is just an awful thing. And we have a lot of anxiety and a lot of polarization in this country because people have strong political beliefs. And I think to witness the bipartisanship that occurred right then and after, I think it’s a good example to follow. I still think about that picture of the Democrats praying in the dugout when they were doing their practice that morning, and I think that’s the example that ought to be set, which is we have differences, let’s keep them in check, let’s treat people with respect and let’s pray for each other. And so, out of these tragedies, good things can come from it. And I think that’s a prayer that’s been answered as well. So I just -- I just think there’s a lot to be thankful for, and it’s pretty amazing."