McCaul Represents U.S. at Pope's Inaugural Mass

McCaul Represents U.S. at Pope's Inaugural Mass
April 25, 2005

(Washington D.C.)- Congressman Michael McCaul, a Catholic and former alter boy, traveled to Rome this past weekend to represent the United States at Pope Benedict XVI first mass in Vatican City.

"It was an honor to represent millions of Texans at this global event. The Roman Catholic Church took notice of our nation's participation in welcoming this new Pope to his position," stated Congressman Michael McCaul.

Along with attending the new Pope's first mass, Congressman McCaul and 21 other members of Congress met with one of four American Cardinals to discuss relations between the U.S. and Vatican. Chicago's Cardinal George spoke with Congressman McCaul about Islamic Extremism where Congressman McCaul told the Cardinal he hoped the Catholic Church would help the world take a serious stand against terror in the name of religion. McCaul also toured the Sistine Chapel and other areas inside the Vatican.

"With this trip, we truly got the sense that this Pope will lead with an outstretched hand. As hundreds of thousands of us sat there in a sea of unity we listened as Pope Benedict XVI invited all into a church of peace," stated McCaul.

Congressman Michael McCaul represents the Tenth Congressional District of Texas which stretches from Central Austin to West Harris County.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx10_mccaul/Pope.html