After Divisive Midterm Elections, US Lawmakers Ask House Leaders to Formally Invite Pope Leo to Speak to Congress

Articles | November 13, 2026 | by Catholics for Catholics

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In the aftermath of the midterm elections, various lawmakers on both sides of party lines are pressing the leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives to ask Pope Leo XIV to speak to a joint session of the U.S. Congress next year.

The leaders called the pontiff a “unifying force” and a “sign of great pride” because he is the first American-born pope. 

According to a story by the Christian Post, In a letter published Oct. 30, 91 House members, including Catholics and non-Catholics from both parties, asked House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., to officially 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 legislators asserted 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.

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

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