Pope to Address Congress During U.S. Visit

By Kara Seymour

Pope Frances will address Congress on Sept. 24 while in the United States for the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

His visit with lawmakers will be the first time a pope has addressed Congress, USA today reports.

The pope confirmed he will be in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, which is scheduled for Sept. 20 to 27.

The World Meeting of Families was started by Pope John Paul II in 1994, and past events have been held in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009), and Milan (2012).

The event, which promotes traditional Catholic family values, is expected have a regional economic impact of about $100 million. A Papal Mass is planned for Sunday, Sept. 27, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said. It will be held on Benjamin Franklin Parkway and will be open to the public.