Pope Francis Will Address Congress

The Hill
February 5, 2015

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/231863-pope-francis-will-address-congress

Pope Francis will make history this fall, becoming the first pope to address a joint session of Congress, Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said on Thursday.

The pope is expected to speak to lawmakers in the House chamber on Sept. 24.

"We're humbled that the Holy Father has accepted our invitation and certainly are going to look forward to receiving his message on behalf of the American people," Boehner said at a news conference.

Both Boehner and his predecessor as Speaker, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), are members of the Catholic Church.

“Pope Francis has renewed the faith of Catholics worldwide and inspired a new generation of people, regardless of their religious affiliation, to be instruments of peace. In the spirit of the namesake of San Francisco, St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis’ universal message of love and compassion speaks to millions around the world," Pelosi said in a statement. “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.”