McGovern Announces Holy Cross President Will Join Him For Pope's Address to Congress

Washington, DC, September 18, 2015

Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), announced that Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of the College of the Holy Cross, will attend Pope Francis’ unprecedented address to Congress on Sept. 24, part of his first visit to the United States. It is the first time a pope will address a joint meeting of the House and Senate.

“Next week, I am excited to have Fr. Boroughs join me for Pope Francis’ historic address to Congress and Americans across the country,” Congressman McGovern said. “As president of the College of the Holy Cross, Fr. Boroughs has been a pillar of our community in Worcester and it is a privilege to have him come to Washington for the pope’s first visit to the U.S. Pope Francis is inspiring millions of people every day with his call for world leaders to do more to tackle climate change, poverty, and so many of the other great challenges of our time. I look forward to hearing his message and hope it will inspire our leaders to work together to build the stronger future we all know is possible.”

“As a member of the Society of Jesus, I am honored to be able to attend this historic occasion. Clearly, being present when Pope Francis addresses Congress is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Fr. Boroughs said. “I am most grateful to Congressman McGovern for inviting me and look forward to hearing the Holy Father share with the American people his vision for engaging significant opportunities and crises facing the global community today.”

Jamie Hoag ’98, director of government and community relations at Holy Cross, will also attend the address with Congressman McGovern and Fr. Boroughs.

While Fr. Boroughs is in Washington D.C., students, faculty, and staff at Holy Cross will have the opportunity to watch the pope’s address to Congress at a gathering on campus. Holy Cross is also participating in the Ignatian Solidarity Network’s “watch party,” which involves nearly two dozen Catholic institutions around the country watching the address to Congress.

Pope Francis will arrive in Washington D.C. on Sept. 22; on Sept. 24 he will head to New York City, and he will end his U.S. trip in Philadelphia Sept. 26-27.

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