A longtime New Jersey congressman will be among a bipartisan group of federal leaders heading to the Vatican this week for the investiture of Pope Francis.
Rep. Chris Smith, R-Robbinsville, Mercer County, was tapped for the trip by House Speaker John Boehner. The American delegation will be headed by Vice President Joe Biden.
Smith chairs the House's subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations Subcommittee.
While in Rome, Smith says he plans to meet with Vatican officials to discuss human rights issues, including human trafficking, religious freedom and culture of life issues.
