Speaker John Boehner has invited Pope Francis to address a joint session of Congress.It is an open invitation, the speaker’s office said, and it’s not yet clear when he’ll give the speech on Capitol Hill.
“The Holy Father’s pastoral message challenges people of all faiths, ideologies and political parties,” Boehner said in an e-mailed statement. “His address as a visiting head of state before a joint meeting of the House and Senate would honor our nation in keeping with the best traditions of our democratic institutions. It would also offer an excellent opportunity for the American people as well as the nations of the world to hear his message in full.”