Pope Francis Welcomed at Historic Visit to Congress

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after Pope Francis addressed the United States Congress during a joint meeting. This is the first papal visit to Congress ever to occur in history.

"I consider it a great privilege to witness and be part of such an historic event that is the first of its kind," said Cole. "Since ascending to the papacy, Pope Francis has rightly earned admiration and respect far beyond the Roman Catholic Church. His humble advocacy for the poor and underprivileged peoples of the world is an inspiration and a reminder of Christ's admonition that 'Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Regardless of one's religious affiliation, Pope Francis' visit to America is an historic event that will be remembered and celebrated for decades."

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