Colorado House Democratic leader Crisanta Duran posted a picture of her invitation to an audience with the Pope on her Facebook page.
When history was made as the Pope went to Washington this week, a handful Colorado leaders say it was an event they will never forget. Among the Colorada legislators in the presence of His Holiness were House Democratic leader Crisanta Duran, House Speaker Pro Tempore Dan Pabon and Democratic Caucus Chair Angela Williams.
“In June, I had the great opportunity to travel with the State Department to Argentina where I learned about Pope Francis’ background and his impressive efforts to give a voice to the voiceless,” Duran said via text. “When the White House called to invite me to attend this week’s event, I jumped at the opportunity to see the first Pope from the Americas and welcome him to the United States.
This was U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette’s view of the Pope’s address to Congress, in this photo she took.
“As people from across the country gathered to greet him, it became evident how broadly his message of love and hope is resonating with people of all faiths. He is pushing the conscience of Americans by delivering a message of the importance of religious freedom, the need for comprehensive immigration reform, tolerance and inclusiveness. His support for efforts to address climate change remind us of the need to have a great respect for the earth, people and water. I will always cherish being able to see the people’s Pope who has a message that is appropriate for our time. I especially loved the Fiat 500 that drove him around the nation’s capital and being one of many to receive his blessings!”
U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette of Denver, Democratic chief deputy whip, sat five rows from the Pontiff.
“He really exhibited and explained what being a person of faith is all about — that it’s a common responsibility to care for the least fortunate and to take care of the planet,” DeGette said in an interview.
She said perhaps the most memorable moment for her was when Pope Francis , “And I ask you all please to pray for me. And if there are among you any who do not believe or cannot pray, I ask you to please send good wishes my way.”
“What a wonderful thing for the Pope to reach out to people even if they aren’t Catholics or people of faith to accept their support,” she recalled.
Williams’ s compelled her to support a failed bid to repeal the death penalty in 2013.
“The experience was very spiritual for me in a very political environment,” she said of Washington. “It was the first time I’ve seen Democrats and Republicans set aside some of their political differences and agree on his Holiness’ message about compassion for people.”
“The 78-year-old pontiff’s whirlwind day in Washington enlivened the often stoic, politically polarized city. Excited crowds lined streets near the White House to catch a glimpse of the smiling and waving Francis as he passed by in his open-air popemobile. He seemed to draw energy from the cheering spectators, particularly the children his security detail brought to him for a papal kiss and blessing.”
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Colorado Rep. Angela Williams of Denver posted a memento from her visit to Washington, D.C., to see the Pope.
