Biden taking Pelosi, N.M. governor to papal inauguration

Vice President Joe Biden is taking one Democrat, one Republican and one university leader -- all Roman Catholics -- on his trip to the Vatican next week to watch the inaugural Mass of Pope Francis, the White House announced today.

Gov. Susana Martinez, R-N.M.; House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Georgetown University President John DeGioia will join Biden for the Tuesday Mass. The White House announced earlier this week that Biden, America's first Catholic vice president and the highest ranking Catholic official in the country, would lead the delegation to the Vatican.

• Boehner declines WH invite to papal installation

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, also Catholic, was invited to join the delegation, but he declined the invitation because of prior commitments, including hosting President Obama and the Prime Minister of Ireland at the Capitol.

Though Boehner will not attend, he announced today he is sending a bipartisan congressional delegation to witness the Mass with the vice president. Led by Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., the group includes Reps. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn.; Sean Duffy, R-Wis.; Anna Eshoo, D-Calif.; Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb.; Ruben Hinojosa, D-Texas; Jim Langevin, D-R.I.; Daniel Lipinski, D-Ill.; and Loretta Sanchez, D-Calif.

The congressional delegation will fly to Rome on commercial flights, since Boehner suspended the use of military air transportation for members of Congress due to sequestration.

[catmomtx]

How sad is it that Republicans never have anything positive to say about anything that has to do with Democrats. How in the world can you people turn a trip to Rome to see the Papal inaugaration into something negative? Why not comment or even read the article. Enough of the constant negativity!

[whaas2]

I hope that they all enjoy the trip at the tax payers expense. I guess that they do not have anything important going on anyway and can afford to take the time off.

[wfw3536]

How sad for our country to take two dopes like Nancy( you have to pass the Healthcare bill before you read it) and Joe (F bomb) to represent our country.

[retmw1]

They aren't sending you. so there aren't any dopes going.

[Stefanpiersche]

Pelosi just hasn't been the same since that house fell on her sister.