Press Releases

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield released the following statement after His Holiness Pope Francis addressed a joint session of Congress:

“Today has been a remarkable day to have witnessed His Holiness Pope Francis address Members of the Congressional Black Caucus and our colleagues in Congress.  This moment in our nation’s history has not been about any one race, a particular religion, or any political affiliation, and instead has been about embracing true compassion for all of humanity.  He called on each of us to satisfy the common needs of those who are less fortunate and ensured we remember the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  The presence of His Holiness Pope Francis here in the U.S. should encourage and inspire each of us to be better versions of ourselves. 

“The CBC shares in many of the fundamental principles His Holiness has called upon each of us to embody.  Founded in 1971 with the mission to serve the most neglected communities in our country, the CBC continues to focus on addressing the unique challenges of underserved communities here in the United States and abroad.  By championing the creation of universal access to education, calling for quality and affordable healthcare while working to eliminate health disparities, combating poverty, to expanding U.S. foreign policy initiatives to contribute to the general welfare of people around the world, the CBC is undertaking the very work His Holiness has called on us all to continue.  In speaking of Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic march from Selma to Montgomery, His Holiness echoed a key principle held by the CBC; attaining full civil and political rights for all people.

“As members of Congress, we have a social responsibility to protect and defend our fellow citizens and the country’s most vulnerable communities by offering a helping hand to those who are most in need.  Pope Francis reminds us that we each have a role to play in protecting and safeguarding the religious and individual freedom that continue to make our country great.  Pope Francis inspires us all with his prayers of hope, healing, peace, and justice so that we will forge ahead in the spirit of cooperation to ensure America continues to be “a land of dreams.” 

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Since its establishment in 1971, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have joined together to empower America’s neglected citizens and address their legislative concerns.  For more than 40 years, the CBC has consistently been the voice for people of color and vulnerable communities in Congress and has been committed to utilizing the full Constitutional power and statutory authority of the United States government to ensure that all U.S. citizens have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream.  To learn more about the Congressional Black Caucus, visit http://cbc-butterfield.house.gov.

Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at (202) 593-1331 or Candace.Randle@mail.house.gov