As we get older, it is at times difficult not to become cynical about the way the world is run. The more I learn about politics, the more ambivalent I am toward them.

But, especially for my peers and me, it is very important not to get jaded about the ways of the world. Poet Maya Angelou once said, “A cynical young person is the saddest thing to see, because it means that he or she has gone from knowing nothing to believing nothing.”

This is why I was excited for the pope to come speak to Congress. I remember hearing the joke in high school: “If pro is the opposite of con, what’s the opposite of progress?” The pope’s visit was a successful one. A man who is nearly universally adored delivered a message that more than maintained his image.

But like the wandering minds of a church congregation listening to a sermon, what will America retain? A few days before Pope Francis arrived, I came across a Gallup article stating 75 percent of Americans perceive widespread corruption in government. I bring this up not to critique the government but to showcase how widespread the perception of incompetence is.

The pope’s speech struck a chord with many, prompting ubiquitous praise as he presented an idyllic version of America that many desire. Now that his visit has come to a close, however, the big problem is how that desire is fulfilled.

This fulfillment happens through change, something that Pope Francis, and many more before him in all levels of government and in all walks of life, have called for. This change comes from both from the government and the people. Governmental change will be slow, as is procedure, and the people’s change will be just as slow, though it does not need to be.

Yes, people will be inspired and take the mantle and rise up and make a difference, but in numbers not nearly great enough. The number of those who stand up will be handicapped by many more who see the widespread corruption and don’t see the use in trying. It won’t be enough to stifle the cynicism that seems to spike up all too often in public conversation.

If we want to see change that represents the pope’s vision for what America could be, far more of us need to step up. It can be easy to look at all of the policies being passed and all of the people in conflict trying to make a difference and stay out of the way and remain in one’s personal comfort zone. But this is not at all conducive to making a difference, no matter how small. Misery loves company, but it doesn’t make for a better world to live in.

Jeffrey Langan can be reached at lang5466@stthomas.edu.