Francis Will Be First Pope to Address US Congress

Vatican Insider
February 5, 2015

http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/world-news/detail/articolo/francesco-francis-francisco-stati-uniti-united-states-estados-unidos-38990/


"It is my great privilege to announce that His Holiness Pope Francis will visit the United States Capitol on Thursday, September 24, 2015. On that day, he will become the first leader of the Holy See to address a joint meeting of Congress. It will be a historic visit, and we are truly grateful that Pope Francis has accepted our invitation,” House of Representatives Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) announced Thursday.

“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.”

Pope Francis will be travelling to the US in September to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. He himself announced that he will also be visiting Washington and New York where the UN headquarters are.