Home · Faith · Nov 13 archive
More than 90 members of Congress urge leaders to invite Pope Leo XIV
Confirmed
In Short: A bipartisan group of 91 lawmakers has sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, urging them to invite Pope Leo XIV to address a joint session of Congress during the beginning of the 120th Congress in 2027.
The letter, signed by both Republican and Democratic members, highlights the historical significance of having the first American-born pope address the U.S. Congress.
The lawmakers believe that Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on service, compassion, and human dignity would offer valuable perspectives on the complex domestic and international issues facing Congress.
Pope Leo XIV, who was born in the United States, has already made several significant visits and addresses, including meetings with religious leaders, prisoners, and workers, as well as celebrating Masses and holding prayer vigils.
During a recent visit to Argentina, Pope Leo XIV marked two full days with several Masses, meetings with Catholic leadership, and a youth vigil.
This initiative builds on previous efforts to bring papal addresses to Congress, such as Pope Francis's visit in 2015.
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
- The letter, signed by both Republican and Democratic members, highlights the historical significance of having the first American-born pope address the U.S. Congress.
- The lawmakers believe that Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on service, compassion, and human dignity would offer valuable perspectives on the complex domestic and international issues facing Congress.
- Pope Leo XIV, who was born in the United States, has already made several significant visits and addresses, including meetings with religious leaders, prisoners, and workers, as well as celebrating Masses and holding prayer vigils.
- During a recent visit to Argentina, Pope Leo XIV marked two full days with several Masses, meetings with Catholic leadership, and a youth vigil.
- This initiative builds on previous efforts to bring papal addresses to Congress, such as Pope Francis's visit in 2015.
What's still developing
- The letter — addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York — was signed by 91 Republican and Democratic members of Congress.
- 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.
- In a private audience with members of the Italian Swimming Federation on June 25, the pontiff highlighted the value of competitive sport as a means of instilling important values and fostering the growth of the body and mind.
- The proposal would give the Pope an opportunity to speak to the country’s political leadership at a time of deep divisions and place his American origins at the centre of a potentially historic visit.
- The pontiff will meet with authorities, interfaith leaders, prisoners, and workers, celebrate 10 public Masses, and hold three prayer vigils with young people.
- 21, the pontiff will meet with authorities, interfaith leaders, workers, and Catholic communities during his visit.
- “Only peace is holy,” Leo said in a video-message to a gathering of religious leaders in the Italian hilltop town of Assisi.
- Pope Leo XIV blesses faithful during an audience with participants of the Jesus Youth International Conference in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Saturday, Oct.
- “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.
- Dear Brother Bishops, Priests, Seminarians, and Family Members, First of all, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your presence here today.
- "Forgive us for storing up instead of sharing, for using goods as power rather than as service." “The Lord is the refuge of the poor” is the title of Pope Leo XIV’s Message for the 10th World Day of the Poor for this month of November and the Pontiff's prayer intention for this month is the “ proper use of wealth ”.