Washington, DC - Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) released the following statement regarding Pope Francis’ visit this week to the United States:

"It’s a great honor to welcome Pope Francis to the United States for his historic pilgrimage. Tomorrow, I have the unique opportunity of welcoming the Pontiff at the White House.

On Thursday, I will be inside the U.S. Capitol to hear the message Pope Francis will deliver to a joint session of Congress. At that same time, a group of South Jersey pilgrims will hear the Pope’s message on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. They’re my invited guests, having received tickets for this historic event from my office.The group of 43 pilgrims from Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington Counties chartered a bus for this event and will be among the first Americans to see Pope Francis on his American journey.

Pope Francis’ theme of compassion, inclusion, and social justice has universal appeal and transcends any one religion. It’s that unifying force that I hope will bring the spirit of family and oneness to our country during the Pope’s historic visit and beyond. In his Papacy, Francis has been a staunch advocate for the poor, called for an end to war and violence, actively seeks peace & reconciliation around the globe, and has raised awareness about climate change.

After hearing the Pope’s address Thursday, I’m hopeful we all leave the Capitol with a renewed sense of purpose to make the United States and the world a better place. And, I’m certain the Pope will carry that message and its spirit as he makes his final U.S. stop in Philadelphia this weekend, directly across from South Jersey’s 1st Congressional District."

Media Advisory/availability #1: with Congressman Donald Norcross after White House event with Pope Francis: Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at conclusion of Papal Visit to White House by telephone-print, radio news media-please provide call-in number for Congressman Norcross; electronic news media, please advise if your New Jersey, Philadelphia, or DC-based cameras/crews will be at White House for interview opportunities with Rep. Norcross.

Media Advisory/availability #2:  with Congressman Donald Norcross after Papal Address to Joint Session of Congress: Thursday, September 23, 2015 at conclusion of Papal Address to Congress by telephone-print, radio news media-please provide call-in number for Congressman Norcross; electronic news media, please advise if your New Jersey, Philadelphia, or DC-based cameras/crews will be at Capitol Rotunda for satellite interviews with Rep. Norcross.

Media Advisory/availability #3: with South Jersey Pilgrims departing Sewell, NJ for Washington, DC: Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 4:30am at Church of the Holy Family 226 Hurffville Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080 (great live AM newscast opportunity).

Media Advisory/availability #4:  with South Jersey Pilgrims in Washington, DC for Papal Address to Joint Session of Congress: Thursday, September 24, 2015 from 11am-12:30pm by telephone-see below for telephone number—in person interviews near West Lawn of U.S. Capitol (ideal for midday/noon newscasts; electronic news media, please advise if your New Jersey, Philadelphia, or DC-based cameras/crews will be near West Lawn of U.S. Capitol for interviews with South Jersey pilgrims).

Media Advisory/availability #5: with South Jersey Pilgrims upon return to South Jersey after Papal Address to Joint Session of Congress: Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 4:30pm at Church of the Holy Family 226 Hurffville Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080 (great early evening newscast opportunity).

News media friends, please provide contact information/locations for reporters and editors in Washington, DC for interviews with Congressman Norcross for above media advisories.

Due to security and logistics, please be patient and understanding as we attempt to facilitate multiple media requests during this high-demand, high-interest news story.