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US Lawmakers Urge Pope Leo to Address Congress
Confirmed
In Short: A bipartisan group of 91 lawmakers has asked House leaders to invite Pope Leo XIV to address a joint session of Congress in January.
A bipartisan group of 91 lawmakers has asked House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to formally invite Pope Leo XIV to address a joint session of Congress in January.
The letter, spearheaded by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., highlights the historical significance of a pope addressing Congress, referencing Pope Francis' 2015 address as the first time a pope had done so.
In their request, the lawmakers noted that Pope Leo’s proposed visit would offer a much-needed outlook as the nation navigates complex foreign and domestic issues.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, has previously called on Catholic legislators to establish oversight of AI to ensure technology serves the common good rather than eroding human dignity.
The lawmakers emphasized that Pope Leo’s unique perspective and ties to the United States would serve as a unifying force for members of Congress following a divisive election.
Pope Leo XIV has also reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s opposition to capital punishment and expressed concerns over the development of artificial intelligence, stating, 'The world does not need an artificial intelligence that diminishes humanity; rather, it needs human intelligence enlightened by wisdom, political authority guided by conscience and technological innovation directed by charity.'
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has urged the faithful to pray for Pope Leo, and the Catholic advocacy group Network has expressed support for the bipartisan effort.
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to meet with victims of clerical sexual abuse during his trip to South America and has previously addressed the importance of protecting the right to life.
The letter to House leaders also noted the historical significance of a pope addressing Congress, referencing Pope Francis' 2015 visit.
What this adds
The facts confirm that Pope Leo XIV will meet with victims of clerical sexual abuse during his trip to South America.
The bipartisan letter was signed by 91 members of Congress, including Republicans and Democrats, and invokes Pope Francis's historic address to Congress in 2015.
Background
Catholic lawmakers, led by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., spearheaded a letter signed by 91 members of Congress, asking House Speaker Kevin Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to formally invite Pope Leo XIV to address a joint session of Congress in January.
Catholic lawmakers, led by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., have spearheaded a letter signed by 91 members of Congress, asking House Speaker Kevin Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to formally invite Pope Leo XIV to address a joint session of Congress in January.
What's confirmed
- “The election of Pope Leo XIV serves as a sign of great pride for millions of Americans. As the first ever American-born Pope, his unique perspective, and ties to our country, would serve as a unifying force for members of Congress. Following a divisive election, Pope Leo’s unifying message of service, compassion for fellow mankind, and the importance of human dignity would be especially timely,” wrote the lawmakers.
- 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.
- 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.
- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged the faithful to pray for Pope Leo in a post on X.
What's still developing
- I wish to meet with the Church that journeys through this land and also to address the entire nation and those entrusted with the responsibility of serving it.
- Pope Leo XIV and other clergy kneel at the altar during Mass at the Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid, June 7, 2026.
- Pope Leo XIV on Saturday reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s opposition to capital punishment as the Pentagon faced bipartisan criticism over plans to livestream the firing-squad execution of the former Army major convicted of killing 13 people at Fort Hood.
- "what is legal is not necessarily moral."
- 14, 2026, can be seen in front of Rome’s Gemelli hospital where Pope Leo XIV is recovering from surgery during which doctors removed his lower right lung to treat a cancerous tumor.