Rubio: Follow Pope on Doctrine, But Disagree on Other Issues

As a Roman Catholic, GOP presidential candidate and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said he agrees with the pope on issues of doctrine and theology, but isn't required to do so on political issues such as climate change.

"He obviously opines about his views of the church's role or what we should be doing on the climate and things of this nature on the economics … the way you balance government with society. " Rubio said Sunday on ABC's "This Week."

"On the social teachings, on the essential issues like the sanctity of life … those go deep to the theology of the faith. Those are binding," Rubio said. "On the economic issues, the geopolitical issues, the pope is just trying to bring people together. That's his role as a spiritual leader, and I respect that very much. I have a job as a United States senator to act in the best interest of the United States and of our people. And from time to time, that might lead to different opinions."

Pope Francis is set to address Congress later this week, the first time a pope has done so.

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