Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) issued the following statement today on Pope Francis’ speech before a joint session of Congress:
“I was honored to witness history today in the Pope’s joint address to Congress. Of his many profound statements, I was most touched by his call for an end to the arms trade in the pursuit of global peace and the preservation of human life. It’s a message that is particularly resonant here at home as we grapple with unprecedented levels of gun violence in America. I hope that his message will inspire my colleagues in Congress to confront our gun violence problem through meaningful gun reform that balances our Second Amendment rights with the rights of all Americans to live free from the threat of gun violence.”
Kelly was joined at the papal address by Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church in Chicago. On Wednesday, she attended the White House arrival ceremony for the Pope with Father Michael Nacius of Infant Jesus of Prague Parish in Flossmoor as her guest.