WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) released the following statement today after it was announced that Pope Francis on Sept. 24 will address a special joint session of Congress during the pontiff’s first trip to the United States:

“I am delighted that Pope Francis will address a joint session of Congress during his American visit this fall. The pope has played an extraordinary international role since he was elected in speaking out about the growing gap between the rich and everybody else and the power large financial institutions exert over the American and world economies. I hope very much that Congress listens closely to the pope’s message.”