Statement from Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. on Pope Leo XIV

NEW ORLEANS, LA- Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement on newly selected Pope Leo XIV:

"As a Black man, a proud son of New Orleans, and a U.S. Congressman honored to represent Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District - which includes the very 7th Ward neighborhood where our newly selected Pope's family once lived - I am overwhelmed with joy and pride at this historic moment.

"For many years, I have had the privilege of serving and representing this vibrant, resilient community - a place rich with Creole heritage, deep faith, and a legacy of perseverance. As someone who grew up in the Catholic faith and graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana, the only historically Black Catholic university in the world, I know firsthand the profound intersection of faith, identity, and culture that shapes our people.

"The news that the first American Pope has roots here in New Orleans, with ancestral ties to our Creole and Haitian families, is nothing short of extraordinary. It reminds the world that greatness rises from every corner - including communities that history has too often overlooked or underestimated.

"This moment is a testament not just to personal achievement, but to the enduring strength and global reach of New Orleans' diverse faith community. As we celebrate, I pray that the Holy Father leads with justice, compassion, and a commitment to uplifting the marginalized, reflecting the spirit of the people and places that shaped him.

"We rejoice as one - and we send our love, our prayers, and our pride from the 7th Ward to the Vatican."

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