PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Barragán Joins Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Attend Pope Leo XIV’s Mass for the Beginning of his Pontificate

May 17, 2025

PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Barragán Joins Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Attend Pope Leo XIV’s Mass for the Beginning of his Pontificate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2025

Rep. Barragán Joins Bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Attend Pope Leo XIV’s Mass for the Beginning of his Pontificate

14 bipartisan House Members will travel to the Vatican to celebrate the first American Pope

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) left this morning for Rome as part of the official Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to the Vatican to attend the Inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV is the first American ever elevated to the papacy — a historic milestone for the Catholic Church and American Catholics.

“I’m honored to join this congressional delegation to witness a historic moment for the Catholic Church,” said Rep. Barragán. “As a Catholic and someone who represents a diverse district with a large Catholic population, it is especially meaningful to be at the Vatican for the inauguration of the first American Pope. This is a moment of pride, reflection, and hope for millions of people who look to the Church for guidance, compassion, and moral clarity. My prayers are with Pope Leo as he begins this monumental duty and spiritual journey.”

The Inaugural Mass will take place on Sunday, May 18^th at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The Congressional Delegation, led by Rep. French Hill (R-AR), also includes Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Michael McCaul (R-TX), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Mike Kelly (D-AR), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Jeff Hurd (R-CO).

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