U.S. Rep Courtney: Expect 'Caring' Agenda From New Pope

VATICAN CITY – U.S. Rep Joe Courtney came away from Sunday's inaugural Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV with positive energy and expects a "caring" agenda from the new Pontiff and the Catholic Church during his tenure.

Courtney (CT-02) issued a statement after attending the Mass alongside a bipartisan U.S. Congressional Delegation.

"The positive energy at St. Peter's was overwhelming this morning. Pope Leo XIV made clear he will be a strong leader who is focused on a caring agenda," Courtney said.

He said the Mass maintained that theme.

"His choice of readings and his homily at his inaugural Mass were unambiguous — the church should be on the side of peace, healing people in need, and unity, and not division," Courtney said. "Watching his emotional acceptance of the papal ring and vestments was a powerful image that he intends to make a positive difference as pope. What a welcome sight."

Courtney was elected in 2006 to represent the Second Congressional District of Connecticut in the U.S. House of Representatives.

He serves as the ranking member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces and is a senior member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. Courtney is as an Honorary Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia for his work with that country's acquisition of U.S. submarines via Electric Boat in Connecticut.