Dozens of lawmakers urge House leaders to invite Pope Leo XIV to speak to Congress

Dozens of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are urging the leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives to invite Pope Leo XIV to speak to a joint session of the U.S. Congress next year. They described the pontiff as a “unifying force” and a “sign of great pride” because he is the first American-born pope. 

In a letter published Oct. 30, 91 House members, including Catholics and non-Catholics from both parties, urged House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., to formally invite Pope Leo XIV to address a joint session of Congress at the beginning of the 120th Congress. 

“We respectfully request that you extend a formal invitation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to address a Joint Session of Congress during the beginning of the 120th Congress,” the lawmakers wrote. “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.” 

The lawmakers insisted that “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.” They maintained that “His visit would offer a much-needed outlook as we navigate complex foreign and domestic issues.”

“Given the undeniable historical significance and cultural impact of Pope Francis’s address to Congress in 2015, we urge you to schedule a joint address as soon as possible in the beginning of the 120th Congress with the first American-born Pope,” the lawmakers concluded.

Robert Francis Prevost became the first American-born pope in 2025, choosing the name Leo XIV. 

As the letter acknowledged, Pope Francis became the first pontiff to speak before a joint session of the U.S. Congress in 2015. Other popes have visited the U.S., including Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. 

The letter was published four days before the midterm elections, which saw Democrats take control of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. Unofficial results show Democrats winning at least 55 seats in the U.S. Senate, while Republicans have won at least 44. In the U.S. House, Democrats have won at least 254 seats, while Republicans have won at least 170. 

Several lawmakers who signed the letter did not win reelection and will not appear at the joint session: Reps. Doris Matsui, D-Calif., Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., Rob Bresnahan, R-Pa., Bryan Steil, R-Wis., David Valadao, R-Calif., Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, and Jen Kiggans, R-Va. All except Matsui are Catholic, while only Matsui and Valadao were in office for Pope Francis’ speech in 2015.

The effort was sphereheaded by Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif, who is in a race against a fellow Democrat that is too close to call. Others key signatories included on the same page next to Thompson included Republican Fitzpatrick and Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn.