Lawmakers Urge Invitation for Pope to Address Congress

A bipartisan group of 91 members of Congress is requesting an address from Pope Leo XIV at the start of the 120th Congress.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Catholicism

Lawmakers Urge Invitation for Pope to Address Congress

Live Poll

Should religious leaders address joint sessions of the U.S. Congress?

Ninety-one members of Congress have formally requested that Pope Leo XIV address a joint session of the legislature in 2027. This initiative, led by Representatives Mike Thompson and Brian Fitzpatrick, aims to bring the American-born Pope to the United States Capitol.

Why it matters

Lawmakers believe an address from the Pope would serve as a unifying force following a recent divisive election. They maintain that his message of compassion and human dignity is particularly timely for the legislative body.

A total of 91 members of Congress signed the request to host Pope Leo XIV. This would mark only the second time a Pope has addressed a joint session of Congress, following Pope Francis in 2015.

The players

Mike Thompson

Representative Mike Thompson is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing a district in California.

Brian Fitzpatrick

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing a district in Pennsylvania.

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV is the current head of the Catholic Church and holds the distinction of being the first American-born Pope.

The details

Representatives Mike Thompson of California and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania sent the formal letter to Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries. The request specifically targets the start of the 120th Congress as the preferred timing for the visit.

Pope Francis addressed a joint session of Congress in 2015.
The request to invite Pope Leo XIV was announced on October 31, 2026.
The address is proposed for the beginning of the 120th Congress in 2027.

Culture Shift

This effort builds upon the historical precedent set by the 2015 joint session of Congress addressed by Pope Francis. It reflects a broader trend of leveraging high-profile global moral leadership to influence domestic political discourse during periods of significant national transition.

This request highlights the ongoing dialogue between religious institutions and American governance. While the outcome remains uncertain, it underscores how legislative priorities are shaped by bipartisan calls for national unity.

The takeaway

The move signals a continued interest among lawmakers in utilizing symbolic gestures to bridge partisan divides. Implementing such an invitation requires coordination between congressional leadership and the Vatican to align with the 2027 legislative calendar.