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Congress Urges Pope Leo XIV to Address Joint Session
Confirmed
In Short: Catholic lawmakers, Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., spearheaded a letter signed by 91 members of Congress, asking House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to formally invite Pope Leo XIV to address a joint session of Congress in January.
The lawmakers noted that Pope Leo's visit would offer a much-needed perspective as the legislative body navigates complex foreign and domestic issues.
They referenced Pope Francis' 2015 address to Congress, which marked the first time a pope had addressed a joint session of the legislative body.
Despite the historic flux in the midterms, the lawmakers' efforts continue.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, is expected to meet with victims of clerical sexual abuse during his trip to South America.
Pope Leo XIV's message for the 10th World Day of the Poor emphasizes the proper use of wealth and forgiveness for storing up instead of sharing.
Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Chaldean Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako from the leadership of the Chaldean Church in Iraq.
Buenos Aires officials reported that more than two million worshippers turned out for a vast public Mass by Pope Leo XIV.
The bipartisan letter highlighted Pope Leo's unique perspective and ties to the United States as a unifying force for members of Congress.
The letter also noted that Pope Leo's urgent and universal call for peace, for greater love, and for solidarity that recognizes and champions the dignity of every person, is urgently needed.
Following a divisive election, the lawmakers said Pope Leo's message of service, compassion for fellow mankind, and the importance of human dignity would be especially timely.
What this adds
The facts confirm that Pope Leo XIV will meet with victims of clerical sexual abuse during his trip to South America.
Background
Catholic lawmakers, Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., spearheaded a letter signed by 91 members of Congress, asking House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to formally invite Pope Leo XIV to address a joint session of Congress in January.
Pope Leo XIV, in his ongoing efforts to address the Church's past and present issues, plans to meet with victims of clerical sexual abuse during his upcoming trip to South America.
What's confirmed
- In their request, the lawmakers said that Pope Leo's proposed "visit would offer a much-needed outlook as we navigate complex foreign and domestic issues." They pointed to Pope Francis' 2015 address to Congress -- which marked the first time a pope had addressed a joint session of the legislative body -- and cited its "undeniable historical significance and cultural impact." In its Oct.
- If Pope Leo does end up addressing Congress, it may possibly not include either of the lawmakers who led the charge to invite him.
- Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., spearheaded a letter signed by 91 members of Congress, asking Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to formally invite the Chicago-born pope to speak at a joint session of the legislative body in January, when it convenes for its 120th session.
What's still developing
- On Oct. 30, Catholic lawmakers, Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., spearheaded a letter signed by 91 members of Congress, asking Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to formally invite the Chicago-born pope to speak at a joint session of the legislative body in January, when it convenes for its 120th session.
- "enthusiastically support this important bipartisan effort."
- He urged them to place the common good above immediate interests and called on Argentina’s political leaders to exercise authority as a service to the entire community, highlighting the need to strengthen democratic institutions, promote economic opportunities and ensure that growth benefits all sectors of society Arriving in Argentina on the second leg of his Apostolic Journey, following his visit to Uruguay and ahead of his onward journey to Peru, Pope Leo said he had come as the Successor of Peter and as a pastor, wishing to address the entire nation and those who have the task of serving it.
- “We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that there are children in Uruguay who do not go to school for fear of never returning home,” the pope said.
- In Molfetta, you are commemorating the centenary of your new premises, commissioned by Pope Pius XI, whose name the Seminary bears, while in Aversa, you are celebrating the tercentenary of the opening of your current building.
- Referring to the bridge that connects countries and his homily at Mass just before, the Pope said that faith in one God can unite people in the work of peace.