National Senator Merkley Statement on Pope Francis’s Address to Congress by Press Release on September 24, 2015 Press Release Author More in National: Rep. Kelly Condemns FDA Approval of Flavored E-Cigarettes May 6, 2026 Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Ban Slavery in Wisconsin February 24, 2026 Martha Washington’s Enslaved Maid Ona Judge Made a Daring Escape to Freedom – but the National Park Service Has Erased Her Story From Philadelphia Exhibit February 14, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. –-(ENEWSPF)–September 24, 2015. Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Pope Francis addressed a joint session of the United States Congress this morning: