WASHINGTON – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) today joined Sister Simone Campbell, activists from the We Belong Together campaign and more asthe “Nuns on the Bus” held a rally on thenational mall welcoming Pope Francis to the UnitedStates.The rally culminates the fourth national Nuns on the Bus tour, this year’sthemed, “Bridge the Divides: Transform Politics.”

“It was an honor to join Sister Simone and the courageous women from the We Belong Together campaign on the national mall today as the “Nuns on the Bus” rallied to welcomed Pope Francis to the United States,” Rep. Grijalva said. “The Pope’s message of inclusion, and of ensuring an economy, and a world,where everyone can thrive is vitally needed today. From helping the poor, to finding humane solutions to our immigration system, to addressing climate change openly and honestly, his words have been a clarion call to this nation and the world. His message is one that Sister Simone and the wonderful activists at We Belong Together fight for every day, and I am truly grateful for their passion and drive to take that message on the road.”

The more than 2,000-mile bus journey that the “Nuns on the Bus” embarked on included 33 events such as town hall meetings, visits to shelters, transitional housing facilities, schools, food pantries, parishes, congregations, and social justice ministries, in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. Those present at the rally today were asked to pledge that they intend to work for a transformed politics and economy, and will sign the exterior of the bus as evidence of their commitment.

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