Boehner stated that after the speech, the pontiff needs to make a quick look on the West Front.
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But this time Boehner – who is Catholic, as are almost one third of members of Congress – intends to create a populist event out of the pope’s appearance.
Pope Francis’ historic speech to Congress in September will be seen by tens of hundreds on the Capitol grounds and past in a landmark occasion to rival any presidential inauguration or State of the Union handle.
According to the itinerary for the visit that is just two months away, the pope will visit four locations in New York City before his two-day stay in Philadelphia on September 26 and 27.
On Wednesday, Francis began his South American pilgrimage with stops in Ecuador and Bolivia. The Vatican accepted the invitation and announced the USA trip in May.
Pope Francis’ address to Congress this fall will be broadcast live on the West Front of the Capitol, with the pope likely making an appearance on the steps overlooking the National Mall, officials said.
Francis, expected to bring his message of peace and compassion to Washington, will become the first pope to address a joint meeting of the US Senate and the House of Representatives.
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“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”.
