Pope Francis to make address to Congress during Washington DC visit

Pope Francis to make address to Congress during Washington DC visit
Pope will be the first leader of the Catholic church to address both houses of Congress during visit later this year, House speaker John Boehner announces

Pope Francis is set to become the first leader of the Catholic church to address both chambers of Congress, during his trip tothe US later this year.

House speaker John Boehner said on Thursday that the pope will visit the US Capitol in Washington on 24 September, where he is scheduled to be the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress. “It will be a historic visit, and we are truly grateful that His Holiness has accepted our invitation,” Boehner said in a statement.

Last month, Francis announced that he would be visiting Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia in September. It is his first trip to the US since becoming the Pontiff.

“In a time of global upheaval, the Holy Father’s message of compassion and human dignity has moved people of all faiths and backgrounds,” said Boehner. “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 His Holiness to our Capitol and hearing his address on behalf of the American people.”


http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/05/pope-francis-to-address-congress-visit-washington