The Speaker of the US House of Representatives announced on Thursday that Pope Francis will address a joint meeting of Congress during his visit to the east coast of the US in September.
John Boehner said in a statement that Francis’ 24 September visit would make him the "first leader of the Holy See to address a joint meeting of Congress," adding that he was "truly grateful that Pope Francis has accepted our invitation."
Boehner, a Catholic, noted that "in a time of global upheaval, the Holy Father's message of compassion and human dignity has moved people of all faiths and backgrounds. His teachings, prayers, and very example bring us back to the blessings of simple things and our obligations to one another."
"We look forward to warmly welcoming Pope Francis to our Capitol and hearing his address on behalf of the American people," he added.
A statement from the Archdiocese of Washington called it "a great honour and tremendous joy to welcome our Holy Father, Pope Francis, to the Archdiocese of Washington during his proposed pastoral visit to the United States in September."
It was long expected that Francis would attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, but last month on the papal plane returning from his visit to the Philippines, he told reporters that his September trip to the U.S. would also take him to New York and Washington, where he intends to canonise the Franciscan missionary priest, Blessed Junipero Serra. The Pope also confirmed he would visit the United Nations in New York.
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