LULAC Applauds Pope Francis' Address to Joint Meeting of Congress

September 24, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Pope Francis of the Holy See addressed a Joint Meeting of Congress and emphasized the critical need for the U.S. to lead on issues related to the immigration, economic inequality, the refugee crisis, and climate change, among other issues. The Holy Father was elected as the 266th pontiff and the first Pope to be elected from Latin America.

Below is statement from LULAC National President Roger C. Rocha Jr., in response to Pope Francis’ address to a Joint Meeting of Congress:

“LULAC deeply appreciates Pope Francis’ passionate and poignant message regarding immigration. Pope Francis reminds us that we were all once immigrants. In referencing his story as a son of immigrants, Pope Francis identified with and brought hope to the Latino community in this country.

LULAC also appreciates Pope Francis’ call for elected officials to support policies that foster economic opportunity for all. The Pope made clear that such policies should be intended to benefit all people particularly the most vulnerable in our society. In addition, LULAC deeply appreciates Pope Francis’ call for Congress to respond to the refugee crisis with compassion and humanity.

Finally, LULAC shares Pope Francis’ message for America to lead the fight to protect the environment and use our vast resources to deal with the challenge of climate change.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org, www.LULAC.org/facebook, and www.LULAC.org/twitter.