LoBiondo, Booker, Menendez Present for Pope’s Remarks before Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd) issued the following statement Sept. 24 after His Holiness Pope Francis’ remarks before a joint meeting of Congress:
“Tina and I were deeply humbled to be in the presence of His Holiness and to have the opportunity to share in his historic visit to the United States and the U.S. Capitol. It is a day in our lives we shall never forget.
“Pope Francis’ resounding message of working together towards a more perfect union – the very foundation for which our great country was built – should serve as both an inspiration and a challenge for all elected officials at all levels of government. It was a message I have sought to live in my life, working with my colleagues – Democrats and Republicans alike – on solutions that better South Jersey. Solving the critical issues facing our nation will take a bipartisan effort and cooperation from all. I applaud Pope Francis for reminding us of that invaluable lesson.”
LoBiondo was accompanied to the speech by his wife Tina. Frank and Tina LoBiondo are both Catholic.
Booker Statement
U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) issued the following statement:
“Pope Francis’ address to Congress was a stirring reminder of our duty as public servants to stand up for those with the least among us. I was especially moved by Pope Francis’ compassionate perspective on pressing issues facing our nation today, from the need to reform the criminal justice system to addressing climate change. His presence with us and his words today should invigorate the spiritual and moral compass within us as our nation continues its work to fully attain the ideal of liberty and justice for all. I am grateful to Pope Francis for his extraordinary commitment as an advocate for ideals that speak to many of our collective values as Americans. We should all be inspired by his message of hope, mercy, and stewardship.”
As Pope Francis arrived in the United States Sept. 24, Booker spoke on the Senate floor to underscore the need for the Senate to pass broad-based criminal justice reform legislation.
Menendez Statement
U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, (D-NJ), who was part of the official Papal Congressional Host Committee that escorted the Pope into the House of Representatives, issued the following statement:
“Pope Francis called upon our conscience as human beings. He called all of us in Congress — and everyone — to a higher purpose, and urged us to remember our responsibility to protect our families, the earth, the most vulnerable among us, and all children of God. He reminded us that, as legislators, we have the privilege and responsibility to represent all Americans and not allow anger and division to rule our politics. He told us that we should not forget the primary purpose of why we are here — to serve the people we were elected to represent, all people, every person, every family. Let us take that as the lesson from what the Pope said, and let us commit to making it part of our lives every day.”