Issue (1) doesn't worth an answer. As for (2) whomever claims that should bring up exactly how the pope had "attacked" America and what Cruz had said. Realistically it is very unwise to directly attack the Pope and there is nothing to gain from that. Ted Cruz obviously doesn't support amnesty and socialism which the Pope promotes and that's what important. As for (3) I have no idea what's this about. I can't expect him to sign on any piece of paper presented to him not without being very well informed. I don't know who is responsible for covering the health issues of first responders, most likely it's the city and state rather then the federal government. Is there a real situation of lack of funding? I doubt there are 33,000 cancer cases directly resulted from 9-11.
You can think whatever you want about 1, there's a ton of people that take it very seriously, and something has to be said.
For 2, a. Who cares what there is to gain, if someone tells your country to let in illegals and make socialism, two things you stand against, and you praise him for saying "love" in between them two, 1. you look weak, 2. you look like you're afraid of political correctness, 3. you just encouraged people to like and agree with someone who is showing disdain and disagreement toward your values. At least say "with all due respect, America is not interested in more illegals". Anything. , b. There is plenty to gain in terms of media coverage, and support. He could have responded to the pope's comments without offending anyone outside of those the left will try to convince to be offended, and everyone would have forgotten in a week anyways, either way.
For 3. The guy keeps telling me he said "go to Israel" and that this indicates Cruz was accusing him of whining. I think that Cruz did not understand what he said, but I can't pursue that line of questioning with the first responder guy, because a host of people attack me for asking if that's a possibility.
I tried mentioning that these are minute issues, and the other candidates have massive problems, Ted Cruz has allegations of problems and things that could indicate a problem, and almost everything he says and does is perfect. It's enough for hundreds of people that I've talked to, to not want to vote for him. If I can respond, it will convince them.