DeLauro Statement on the Address to Congress by His Holiness Pope Francis

Statement

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today after the address to Congress by His Holiness Pope Francis:

"Being in the House Chamber for the first address to a joint meeting of Congress by a Pope was an honor and privilege I will never forget. It was a beautiful, joyful and moving occasion. Pope Francis is an extraordinary individual, who typifies what the Catholic Church is all about: liberty, freedom and social justice. That is also the mission of the great institution of the United States Congress.

"Like Pope Francis, my family came to this continent from Italy in search of a better life. I thought about my mother and father this morning, who could only dream of this day. I am inspired by his call to "resolve now to live as nobly and as justly as possible, as we educate new generations not to turn their back on our neighbors and everything around us.'

"As a Jesuit, Pope Francis has carried on their mission through his humble life and dedication to the poor, needy and those who need protection. In Congress, we too have a moral responsibility to do the same, and should start by passing comprehensive immigration reform and raising the minimum wage.

"Pope Francis' called for Congress to move beyond our partisan divides in dealing with the critical issues of the day: climate change, immigration and providing for the least among us. I will keep his eloquent words in mind as we tackle these, and other subjects, in the coming weeks and months.

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