Pope Francis To Speak To Congress In September

Pope Francis will speak to a joint session of Congress on Sept. 24 during a U.S. trip that will include visits to Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia, House Speaker John Boehner’s office announced Thursday. It will be Francis’ first visit to the U.S. since he became pope in March 2013.

Boehner announced the visit Thursday on Twitter, saying it will be the first time a sitting pope has ever addressed a joint meeting of Congress.

Boehner first invited Pope Francis to the U.S. last March, saying the pontiff "has inspired millions of Americans with his pastoral manner and servant leadership, challenging all people to lead lives of mercy, forgiveness, solidarity and humble service."

Francis is the first pope ever to be selected from the Americas.