Graves Welcomes Pope Francis to Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Sam Graves today welcomed Pope Francis to the United States Capitol. Thursday's speech marked the first time in American history that a pope has addressed Congress. It is the inaugural visit to the United States for Pope Francis, who is also the first ever pope to hail from an American continent.

"I am humbled to have had the opportunity to hear the Pope speak on the House floor," Rep. Graves said. "As a nation, we share so many of the same principles he touched on today, including the value of family, the need to protect life at every stage, and the responsibility to care for the most vulnerable among us. The Pope's historic visit to Congress reinforces our shared goal of giving everyone the opportunity to pursue a better life."

After visiting the White House on Wednesday and the U.S. Capitol today, Pope Francis will travel to New York and Philadelphia before returning to Rome on Sunday.

# # #