WASHINGTON
Pope Francis will address a joint session of Congress later this year, House Speaker John Boehner confirmed Thursday.
The Sept. 24 address will be the first papal address to both houses of Congress.
“It will be a historic visit, and we are truly grateful that Pope Francis has accepted our invitation,” Boehner, who is Catholic, said in a statement. “In a time of global upheaval, the Holy Father’s message of compassion and human dignity has moved people of all faiths and backgrounds.”
“We are eager to welcome His Holiness to the U.S. Capitol and we look forward to hearing his call to live our values, to protect the poor and the needy, and to promote peace,” Minority Leader Nacncy Pelosi, who is also Catholic, said in a statement.
The announcement follows the pontiff’s confirmation that he will visit Washington, New York and Philadelphia during his first visit to the U.S. as pope since he was appointed leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics in 2013.
President Barack Obama earlier Thursday lauded the pontiff, saying during a prayer gathering, "He challenges us to press on in what he calls our 'march of living hope.' And like millions of Americans, I am very much looking forward to welcoming Pope Francis to the United States later this year.”
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