Congressional Hispanic Caucus: Pope Francis Visit 'Critically Needed' in Congress
Latinos from all walks of life are observing Pope Francis’ U.S. visit, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a coalition of Latino lawmakers who anticipate his address to Congress scheduled on Thursday.
For CHC chairwoman Linda Sanchez, congresswoman for California's 38th Congressional District, the Democratic Latino lawmakers look forward to hearing Pope Francis talk on a series of issues also affecting the U.S., such as comprehensive immigration reform, climate change and juvenile justice.
"His Holiness and the Hispanic Caucus share a commitment to fighting for justice and civil rights and we believe his message of compassion is one that is critically needed in Congress right now," Sanchez said in a statement released Wednesday morning.
As Latin Post reported, Rep. Tony Cárdenas has been working on reforming juvenile justice and penned a letter for Pope Francis to engage on the issue. According to Cárdenas' letter, he hopes the pope's words will create inspiration to enact juvenile justice reform laws, including intervention prevention programs and have children "get right with the law."
"I sent a letter to the Pope calling on him to continue to address an issue that is critically important to him, to me and to our entire world: How we deal with children who become involved in the justice system. Will we continue throwing away their potential and our nation's future, or will we use evidence-based community intervention to rescue our next generation and lead them toward rehabilitation?"
CHC Whip Congressman Ruben Gallego, congressman for Arizona's 7th Congressional District, acknowledged the pope's visit comes at a time of division in the U.S., as Latinos have been labeled as "rapists," "criminals" and "anchor babies."
"[T]he Pope's message of acceptance and love couldn't be more appropriate," Gallego said.
"I'm very excited to hear the Pope's message to the American people and I'm thankful for his support on climate change and immigration reform. I hope his message resonates with politicians on both sides of the aisle so we can get things done and can better serve the people who elected us."
Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois also commented on the anti-Latino and anti-immigrant rhetoric made during the presidential campaign. Gutierrez has been very vocal speaking against the aforementioned rhetoric, using time on the House of Representatives floor to denounce such statements and candidates.
"When the Pope speaks to us, we will see two paths in very sharp relief. Build a wall or build a bridge? Help our brother or turn our backs? Belittle our sister or share her heavy load? Incite distrust and division or foster unity to face our challenges because we are stronger together? I am so looking forward to the Pope's visit because I feel my nation needs him right now," Gutierrez said.
Fellow CHC members are hoping Pope Francis offers "a message of optimism," as Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard of California noted, in addressing immigrants and refugees.
"As a fellow Latino, I look forward to hearing Pope Francis' message to Congress. The issues that continue to divide us should bring us together instead. His is a message we all will surely benefit from," said Rep. Rubén Hinojosa of Texas.
Must Read: Pope Francis: Cuba, Immigration & Climate Change Likely Top Issues in U.S. Visit
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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Politics Editor Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.
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