CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS ON ADDRESS OF POPE FRANCIS TO CONGRESS

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released the following statements in anticipation of the Pope's Address to Congress tomorrow. Last year, the Hispanic Caucus sent a letter to His Holiness, inviting him to speak before a joint session of Congress. You can view the letter here.

CHC Chairwoman Linda T. Sánchez: "We look forward to hearing Pope Francis speak on a number of issues important to Latinos and working families – from juvenile justice to comprehensive immigration reform and the need to protect our environment. His Holiness and the Hispanic Caucus share a commitment to fighting for justice and civil rights and we believe his message of compassion is one that is critically needed in Congress right now."

CHC Whip Congressman Ruben Gallego: "At a time of so much division in our country, when anyone that is tagged as ‘other' or ‘different' is seen as a threat - when our Latino brothers and sisters are being called rapists, criminals, and anchor babies by people who aspire to the highest office in our country - the Pope's message of acceptance and love couldn't be more appropriate. I'm very excited to hear the Pope's message to the American people and I'm thankful for his support on climate change and immigration reform. I hope his message resonates with politicians on both sides of the aisle so we can get things done and can better serve the people who elected us."

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra: "We thank the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for being a resolute voice for human dignity and compassion. House Democrats agree with Pope Francis on the compelling need to fix our broken immigration system, to combat climate change that threatens our health and communities, and to raise the minimum wage so that no one working hard full-time lives in poverty. Ahead of the Pope's speech to Congress on Thursday, we hope he urges Congress to take heed and take action."

Congressman Ben Ray Lujan: "It will be an honor to welcome Pope Francis to the United States Capitol and to receive his message that I know will inspire our nation and remind us of our responsibility to care for the least among us. Pope Francis has been such a powerful voice on social and economic justice, and I look forward to hearing his call for greater equality. We are our brother's and sister's keeper, and whether it's combating poverty or caring for the land and water that sustain us, I welcome Pope Francis' words of compassion in the halls of Congress."

Congressman José E. Serrano: "Pope Francis' address to Congress is a historic occasion, and his message will have a tremendous impact and remain with us for generations to come. As the first Jesuit Pope, I hope he centers his message on the need to leave partisanship aside to, in a spirit of service, help the neediest among us. And as the first Latin American Pope, I hope his message urges and inspires others to support fixing our nation's broken and inhumane immigration system and to support President Obama's effort to change U.S. policy towards Cuba. Pope Francis, we can't wait to hear your inspiring words."

Congressman Luis V. Gutiérrez: "When the Pope speaks to us, we will see two paths in very sharp relief. Build a wall or build a bridge? Help our brother or turn our backs? Belittle our sister or share her heavy load? Incite distrust and division or foster unity to face our challenges because we are stronger together? I am so looking forward to the Pope's visit because I feel my nation needs him right now."

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard: "I hope that Pope Francis will remind us that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity and respect – including immigrants, the less fortunate, the elderly, and other groups too often neglected by society. I especially hope that he will offer a message of optimism and kinship to the emigrant families around the world that have been displaced due to violence and suffering, and that he will encourage our nation to take part in a solution to see these families settled safely."

Congressman Rubén Hinojosa: "Pope Francis has deeply moved people throughout the world in such a profound manner by way of his Christ like love for all of mankind. He is teaching all of us to remember to love humanity and to embrace and care for those who are suffering. His Holiness' message concerning immigrants and refugees hits right at the very core of what true Christianity stands for. The members of the CHC understand that compassion must a part of fixing our broken immigration system and we are pleased Pope Francis is coming to the United States to address many more issues that affect our communities. As a fellow Latino, I look forward to hearing Pope Francis' message to Congress. The issues that continue to divide us should bring us together instead. His is a message we all will surely benefit from."

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez: "Pope Francis is an inspirational figure for Catholics and people of all faiths. I look forward to hearing his compelling message of hope, kindness and social justice."

Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva: "Pope Francis is a prominent leader and crucial voice in the fight against climate change. In the Pope's encyclical on the environment, ‘Laudato Si,' he called on political and policy leaders to work together to address the irreversible implications of our warming planet. Minority communities, including many in the Latino community, often times disproportionately shoulder the impacts of failed environmental policies. That's why we must ensure the environmental movement reflects the rich diversity of the American people – all voices are welcome and relevant in a fight that impacts us all. Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans continue to turn a blind eye to the need for increased sustainable energy, reduced carbon emissions and the development of new green technologies. I am eager to hear the Pope reinforce his message, and urge my colleagues to recognize how important it is for the United States to lead this fight."

Congressman Jim Costa: "As the first Pope from Latin America, Pope Francis' visit to the United States holds profound meaning to the Hispanic community. During his historical address to Congress, I hope Pope Francis will address our broken immigration system and the needs of immigrants and refugees in the United States and throughout the world. Pope Francis' compassion and dedication to defending those who face great injustice serve as an inspiration for all of us, and I look forward to his highly anticipated address to Congress."

Congressman Tony Cardenas: "I sent a letter to the Pope calling on him to continue to address an issue that is critically important to him, to me and to our entire world: How we deal with children who become involved in the justice system. Will we continue throwing away their potential and our nation's future, or will we use evidence-based community intervention to rescue our next generation and lead them toward rehabilitation?"

Congressman Juan Vargas: "Pope Francis will come share a message of love and hope to Congress, but most importantly to the people who will be excitedly watching his speeches and actions. I cannot wait for his Holiness to inspire us with his blessings and to represent highly the Hispanic community that admires him so much."

Congressman Pete Aguilar: "Pope Francis is a global voice and a moral influence on a number of issues facing our world today, including climate change. I look forward to hearing more about his vision for how we can work together in the international community to protect our environment, and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to bear witness to His Holiness' visit."

Congresswoman Norma Torres: "As a Catholic whose faith has been reignited by Pope Francis, I'm looking forward to being inspired by his enthusiasm and vision for a more just and peaceful world and by his spirit of forgiveness and respect for all."

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