Fleischmann urges House leaders to invite pope to address Congress
People watch Pope Leo XIV on a giant screen May 11, 2025, as he delivers his blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for his first Sunday blessing after his election, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) People watch Pope Leo XIV on a giant screen May 11, 2025, as he delivers his blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for his first Sunday blessing after his election, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
By Sarah Dolgin 5 min read
A Tennessee congressman is hoping U.S. House leaders will invite Pope Leo XIV to address Congress.
U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Ooltewah, sent a letter Monday to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., urging the two to send a formal invitation to the first American pope.
“I am a confirmed Roman Catholic, so that is obviously part of it,” Fleischmann said by phone, “but I do think it’s very important for the United States to have an outstanding relationship with the Holy See.”
Pope Leo XIV appears at the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on May 11, 2025, for his first Sunday blessing after his election, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)A priest holds a rosary and a newspaper showing a picture of Pope Leo XIV as he appears May 11, 2025, at the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for his first Sunday blessing after his election, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)Pope Leo XIV arrives May 12, 2025, to meet with members of the international media in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)Staff photo by Abby White / U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Ooltewah, speaks Oct. 11, 2024, during an interview.
Having an American pope who is familiar with the country is an unprecedented opportunity, the congressman said.
