It was announced Thursday that Pope Francis will address a joint session of Congress September 24th, making him the first pope to do so.House Speaker John Boehner confirmed Pope Francis’ acceptance of an invitation the Republican extended last year. Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty, a Democrat from Connecticut, says it’s exciting news.
“We are all each other’s neighbors,” Esty said. “The neighbor is the homeless person on the street and the person struggling to put food on the table. We are called upon to love everyone and that’s a hard commandment for people to keep. Pope Francis is a strong voice for that conscience.”
Pope Francis is expected to visit the White House, speak at the United Nations and hold a Catholic rally in Philadelphia during his first visit to the U.S. as Pope.
