FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2025
Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov
Rep. Barragán Attends Historic Inaugural Mass of First American Pope
14 bipartisan House Members were at the Vatican to celebrate the Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV
Vatican City — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) attended the historic Inaugural Mass of the first American Pope as a member of the official bipartisan Congressional Delegation (CODEL). His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, is the first American in the history of the Catholic Church to have been elected to the papacy. The Inaugural Mass was held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
“This was a deeply meaningful and joyous occasion for American Catholics and the over one billion Catholics around the world who look to the Church for spiritual guidance and leadership,” said Rep. Barragán. “It was truly special to be here—as a Catholic, a Member of Congress, and a representative of a district that is home to a large Catholic community — for the Inaugural Mass to celebrate the start of Pope Leo’s pontificate, our first American Pope. Our prayers are with Pope Leo as he guides the Church with faith, compassion, and a commitment to justice in the years ahead. May his leadership inspire unity, hope, and renewal within the Church and throughout the world.”
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), and Jeff Hurd (R-CO).
For photos and videos from the Inaugural Mass, click HERE.
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