Pope Francis. AP FILE PHOTO
WASHINGTON—Pope Francis could become the first Pontiff ever to address the US Congress after being offered a historic invitation by House leaders.
Speaker John Boehner sent a formal invitation to the Pontiff, who on Thursday marked the first anniversary of his election to the papacy.
The Vatican has yet to respond to the invite.
Boehner in a statement lauded Francis’ popular message of mercy and serving the poor and how it transcended religious and cultural differences.
“Pope Francis 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,” Boehner said.
“His tireless call for the protection of the most vulnerable among us—the ailing, the disadvantaged, the unemployed, the impoverished, the unborn—has awakened hearts on every continent.”
Reports have said the Pope hopes to visit the United States next year to attend a global conference on families in Philadelphia in September.
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