Ahead of Pope Francis' trip to the U.S., a Latino congressional lawmaker has called for the Catholic leader to address the need for juvenile justice reform.

In a letter addressed to the Apostolic Palace, Rep. Tony Cárdenas acknowledged his stance on juvenile detention, and his efforts to enact reforms since he served in the California State Legislature. Cárdenas also recognized Pope Francis' reconnecting with detained youth, as seen when he cleaned the feet of detainees.

Francis is scheduled to speak to the U.S. congress on Sept. 24. He is expected to discuss immigration, but Cárdenas hopes he will also indulge in the topic juvenile detention.

"I hope that you continue to talk about the young people our society who are asking for a second chance, eager to build their lives as productive and happy citizens," Cárdenas wrote.

"I hope that your words to our nation's leaders will inspire the to realize they have the ability to enact a thorough reform of our juvenile justice laws that includes robust intervention prevention programs, to help these children get right with the law and escape the cycle of criminalization," added Cárdenas.

According to Cárdenas, the U.S. is the only country that may sentence a child to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He also quoted the pope referring to life sentences as "a hidden death penalty."

"We must reexamine the hardened practices of our criminal justice system, and we must not forget, they are children."

Cárdenas, who represents California's San Fernando Valley, spent years on reforming the juvenile detention system, specifically the elimination of life sentences without the possibility of parole. In late July, he introduced a Congressional Resolution, which noted more than 2,500 children have been sentenced to life in prison, and many deserve second chances.

"Growing up, I witnessed the effects of violence on our community, and I have held that image close throughout my career as a public servant, so that I never forget the people I am working for," Cárdenas wrote. "That is why one of my priorities has always been reducing crime through intervention and prevention efforts and reforming our juvenile justice system."

Based on testimony submitted by Youth First! Initiative President and CEO Liz Ryan to the House Oversight Committee's Hearing on Criminal Justice, among Latino youth, 40 percent are more likely than white youth to be admitted to adult prison and 1.8 times more likely to be incarcerated than white youth.

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