CONGRESSMAN CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
Maryland’s 8th District
For Immediate Release
September 24, 2015
CONTACT: Bridgett Frey – 202-225-5384
Ian Jannetta – 202-225-1527
Van Hollen Statement on Pope Francis’s Address to Congress
Washington, DC – Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement after Pope Francis’s address to the Joint Meeting of Congress:
“Today, Pope Francis challenged Congress and all Americans to reflect upon our privileged place on the world stage and recommit to advancing the causes of justice, freedom, and equality. Economic inequality, the negative impacts of climate change, and horrific international conflicts are burdening the most vulnerable among us. The United States occupies a great position of influence, and we must lead. Pope Francis reminds us that we must never sit idly by when the world needs us on the front lines of these critically important efforts.”