Fairfield University president is joining CT Congressman for the Pope’s historic address | Press Releases

Fairfield University President Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx S.J. has been asked to be present in Congress to hear Pope Francis’s address to lawmakers on Sept. 24. Fr. Von Arx was asked to attend the historic event in Washington DC by Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes (D-4 ^th District).

This is the first-ever papal address to Congress. Pope Francis is likely to address issues including the marginalization of the world’s poor, the social implications of consumerism, and climate change. Seating for this event is coveted and extremely limited.

"I'm thrilled to be able to hear Pope Francis' address to Congress, and grateful to Congressman Himes for inviting me," said Fr. von Arx. "The fact that the Pope is a fellow Jesuit makes the occasion all the more special for me. I'm sure the Pope will have a message for the American people through their elected representatives that will be both challenging and inspirational, and I know that Congressman Himes looks forward to hearing that message as much as I do."

"I've worked with the Reverend von Arx for many years. His important role as a leader in both the educational and religious communities in the 4th District, and the fact that he began his academic career teaching at Georgetown, made him a natural choice for this visit. I'm greatly looking forward to the event and am eager to continue working with the Reverend von Arx, Fairfield University, and the members of the Catholic community to further improve southern Connecticut."

The Fairfield University community is invited to participate in this historic event from campus. A program entitled Papal Politics: Pope Francis Speaks to Congress-Live will be held on Thursday, September 24 from 9:00am – 10:30am in the Lower Level BCC. Students, faculty, and staff can virtually attend the papal address along side President Rev. von Arx followed by a facilitated discussion.

#Vol. 48, No. 12

Fairfield University is a Jesuit University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 36 states, 47 foreign countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.