Pope Francis has accepted an invitation from U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) to address a joint session of Congress during his upcoming visit to the U.S.The Washington Times is reporting on the announcement, made by Speaker Boehner’s office this morning, that Pope Francis will address congress on September 24. The occasion will mark the first time a pope has ever addressed Congress.
The invitation was extended last March when Mr. Boehner learned that the pope was considering a visit to the U.S. in 2015 to attend the next World Meeting of Families which is taking place in Philadelphia on September 22-27.
“The Holy Father’s pastoral message challenges people of all faiths, ideologies and political parties,” Mr. Boehner said in announcing his invitation last year. “His address as a visiting head of state before a joint meeting of the House and Senate would honor our nation in keeping with the best traditions of our democratic institutions. It would also offer an excellent opportunity for the American people as well as the nations of the world to hear his message in full.”
More details are expected to be released shortly.
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