Press Releases

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement after Pope Francis' historic address before a joint meeting of Congress:
"In an eloquent and inspiring address before a joint meeting of Congress today, Pope Francis reminded us of our sacred duty to lead by example and show our constituents and the world that we can master the art of compromise and work together to achieve the common good.

"Despite being a foreigner and a man of the cloth, Pope Francis is extraordinarily attuned to our current political environment and the challenges and struggles that so many of our constituents and communities face. ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,' was his simple and profoundly wise advice.

"As founder of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, I was particularly moved by the Pope's admonition to us to protect the most vulnerable members of our society – the young. As he noted, while many young people will have futures ‘filled with countless possibilities,' so many others, ‘trapped in a hopeless maze of violence, abuse and despair,' will see their lives move in the opposite direction. It is our responsibility to set them on a more secure and successful path, and after hearing Pope Francis' glorifying message my commitment to do so has been renewed."

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a third-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.