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Lawmakers Urge Pope Leo XIV to Address Congress
· Confirmed
In Short: If Pope Leo XIV does end up addressing Congress, it may not include either of the lawmakers who led the charge to invite him.
The lawmakers said that Pope Leo's proposed visit would offer a much-needed outlook as they navigate complex foreign and domestic issues, referencing the historical significance of Pope Francis' 2015 address to Congress.
The letter noted that Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, would serve as a unifying force for members of Congress following a divisive election.
Pope Leo XIV's visit would include 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 message for the 10th World Day of the Poor emphasized the proper use of wealth and forgiveness for storing up instead of sharing.
Pope Leo XIV's emphasis on service, compassion for others, and human dignity would offer a valuable perspective on the difficult domestic and international questions facing Congress.
Despite the historic flux in the midterms, at least one lawmaker has continued to express support for the Pope Leo initiative.
If Pope Leo XIV does end up addressing Congress, it may not include either of the lawmakers who led the charge to invite him.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to the United States would mark a significant moment in the country's history, as it would be the first time an American-born pope addresses a joint session of Congress.
What this adds
The initiative seeks to leverage Pope Leo XIV's unique perspective and ties to the United States to promote unity and address pressing issues.
Background
A bipartisan group of 91 lawmakers has sent a letter to congressional leadership urging them to invite Pope Leo XIV to address a joint session of Congress in January.
A bipartisan group of 91 lawmakers has sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, requesting that Pope Leo XIV be invited 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.
- "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," said the lawmakers in their letter.
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."
- Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) led 91 members of Congress in a letter urging Speaker Johnson, and Leader Jeffries to invite His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to address a Joint Session of Congress during the beginning of the 120th Congress in 2027.
- 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.
- “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 thanked the doctors, nurses and staff at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for their care during his recent hospitalization and expressed gratitude to those who prayed for him, according to Vatican News.
- 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.
- Pope Leo XIV marked two full days in Argentina with several Masses and meetings with Catholic leadership along with a youth vigil and a celebration of vespers.