(Washington, D.C.)–Congressmen Patrick Kennedy and Jim Langevin today announced that they will travel to the Vatican this weekend to attend the Inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI. The Congressmen will depart from Andrews Air Force Base Friday morning.

"I am deeply honored to attend the inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI with a bipartisan delegation of my colleagues," said Congressman Kennedy. "This is an exciting time for the Church and for those of us who are Catholics to forge a new relationship with a new Pope. It is my hope that this Pope will follow in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II in many ways, including reaching out to those of various faiths and continuing to work steadfastly for freedom and justice around the world. I also hope that Pope Benedict XVI will be willing to look openly at ways our church can be more inclusive and can address the critical issues currently facing the Church."

“My faith is very important to me, and it is a great honor to join my colleagues in representing the United States at such a momentous and historic event," said Congressman Jim Langevin. "The new Pope has before him a number of significant challenges in these troubling times. I welcome Pope Benedict to his new role, and I am hopeful that he will use his papacy to ease pain and suffering throughout the world, while remaining open-minded and receptive to changes such as creating a greater role for both laypeople and women in the church.”

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