Today, it was announced that House Majority Leader Steve Scalise will lead a bipartisan Congressional delegation of House Members to Vatican City to attend Pope Francis’s funeral. Scalise, “the highest ranking Catholic in the House of Representatives,” expressed his honor at being asked to lead the group. “The Holy Father humbly devoted his life in service to the Church, and he was dedicated to spreading the Gospel of the Lord to the world,” he stated.
Scalise emphasized the significance of this event, noting, “As a lifelong Catholic, I am honored to represent the House in paying our respects and praying for the soul of Pope Francis, as Catholics all around the world grieve, and as Church leaders prepare to elect a new pope in the coming weeks.”
House Speaker Johnson echoed these sentiments, saying, “Our prayers are with the many Christians who mourn the passing of Pope Francis. It is my honor to send this Congressional delegation, during which participating Members will celebrate the life of Pope Francis and the teaching of the Catholic Church.” Johnson confirmed that he requested Scalise lead the bipartisan group on this visit.
The Members of the Congressional Delegation include The Honorable French Hill, The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, The Honorable Brendan Boyle, The Honorable Ann Wagner, The Honorable Tom Suozzi, The Honorable John Joyce, The Honorable Pete Stauber, The Honorable Scott Fitzgerald, and The Honorable Laura Gillen.
