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On Thursday, September 24, 2015 His Holiness Pope Francis will become the first Pontiff to address a Joint Session of Congress. The event is historic, and we are honored and grateful to receive his message of unity, peace and respect for all people. 

While public tickets are not available for the Joint Session in the House Chamber, arrangements have been made for a broadcast on the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Following the address, it is expected that Pope Francis will make a brief public appearance on the steps of the Capitol. A limited number of tickets have been made available to each Member of Congress to distribute to constituents, which my office will distribute via a random drawing. The tickets will provide general admission to the West Lawn, where attendees will be able to watch Pope Francis’ address on several large video screens and witness his public appearance. 

It is important that those who participate understand that a clear line-of-sight cannot be guaranteed if they are attending the West Front broadcast, but the space does offer an opportunity to be part of this historic event. There will be tight security arrangements throughout Washington, D.C. for the duration of the Pope's visit and those participating need to have very realistic expectations of how difficult travel and logistics may be.

Residents of the 12th District who wish to participate in this random drawing should fill out the form below by Friday, September 11. Please note that entering the drawing does not guarantee a ticket. Winners will be notified on Monday, September 14. 

Ticket holders are responsible for their own travel, accommodations and any logistics related to the event. Tickets must be picked up in person with a photo ID and signed for in our Washington, D.C. office between September 21 and September 23. If a winner is unable to use their ticket, it will be redistributed to those on the waitlist on a rolling basis.

Ticket Request for Pope Francis' Congressional Address

*By submitting this request, I understand that these tickets may not be sold or given away and that I am responsible for my own travel and arrangements to and from Washington, D.C. as well as any additional activities in which I may choose to participate beyond the telecast on the 24th.