Pope Francis to deliver historic address before US Congress in September

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the head of the Vatican City state, is scheduled to speak before the United States Congress on September 24.

US House Speaker John Boehner, representative of Ohio, made this announcement on Thursday. The American lawmaker said this is the first time a Pope will address a joint session of the US Congress.

"In a time of global upheaval, the Holy Father's message of compassion and human dignity has moved people of all faiths and backgrounds. His teachings, prayers, and very example bring us back to the blessings of simple things and our obligations to one another," Boener said.

Pope Francis' historic address before the American legislature will be part of his first visit to the United States since he was elected as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013.

Aside from Washington, the Pope will also visit New York City and Philadelphia this fall.

Aside from addressing American legislators, Pope Francis is also likely to meet US President Barack Obama at the White House during his US visit.

Pope Francis decided to visit the United States after Boehner, a Roman Catholic, extended an invitation to the pontiff.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California welcomed Pope Francis' scheduled address before US Congress, describing it as an honor and a source of joy.

"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," Pelosi said in an article published by USA Today.