Pope Francis to Address US Congress in September

The Pope is scheduled to visit the Capitol on Sept. 24, as part of a week-long tour of the US, House Speaker John Boehner announced on Thursday. 

“On September 24 His Holiness Pope Francis will visit us here at the United States Capitol. That day, his Holiness will be the first Pope in our history to address a joint session of Congress. We are humbled that the Holy Father accepted our invitation and we certainly look forward to receiving his message on behalf of the American people,” Boehner said.

The leader of the Catholic church will also make stops at the White House, the UN General Assembly and Ground Zero in New York City.

Following Boehner’s announcement, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said she was “honored and overjoyed” that the Pope would address Congress.

“Pope Francis has renewed the faith of Catholics worldwide and inspired a new generation of people, regardless of their religious affiliation, to be instruments of peace. In the spirit of the namesake of San Francisco, St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis’ universal message of love and compassion speaks to millions around the world,” Pelosi said in a press release.

Pelosi added Congress was eager to welcome the Pope and was looking forward to hearing his call to protect the poor and the needy, and to promote peace.

Pope Francis will visit the United States to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.