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Congress Urges Pope Leo XIV to Address Joint Session
Confirmed
In Short: On Oct. 30, Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., led a bipartisan group of 91 members of Congress in a letter to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, urging them to formally invite Pope Leo XIV to address a joint session of Congress in January.
The lawmakers highlighted the historical significance of a papal address to Congress, referencing Pope Francis' 2015 visit, which marked the first time a pope had addressed a joint session of the legislative body.
In their letter, the lawmakers emphasized that Pope Leo XIV's visit would offer a much-needed perspective as the nation navigates complex foreign and domestic issues. They noted that the pontiff's unique American background and ties to the country would serve as a unifying force for members of Congress.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to South America has included meetings with victims of clerical sexual abuse, authorities, interfaith leaders, prisoners, and workers, as well as celebrating 10 public Masses and holding three prayer vigils with young people.
Pope Leo XIV's recent hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital was followed by his expression of gratitude to those who prayed for him.
What this adds
The facts confirm that Pope Leo XIV will meet with victims of clerical sexual abuse during his trip to South America, a detail not previously reported.
The letter to House leaders also noted the historical significance of a pope addressing Congress, referencing Pope Francis' 2015 visit.
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.
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.
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."
- Pope Francis visited the United States in 2015, as did Pope Benedict XVI in 2008.
- 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.
- Pope Leo XIV announced this week that he had accepted the resignation of Chaldean Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako from the leadership of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and throughout the world after more than a decade of service marked by major pastoral and political challenges.
- 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.
- CLAYPOLE, Argentina — Pope Leo XIV on Monday praised the work of a care home for disabled people that Argentina’s Catholic bishops have said is imperiled by the austerity policies of President Javier Milei.