Pope Francis announced his first papal visit to the United States in September next year.

"I wish to confirm, according to the wishes of the Lord, that in September of 2015, I will go to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families," the pope announced Monday while opening a conference at the Vatican on the theme of marriage, New York Times reports

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The pope's trip coincides with an international convention on family in Philadelphia, which he will be also attending. He is also expected to stop by New York.

Since taking the reins as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the pope has already visited many countries, including Middle East, Albania, South Korea, and Brazil. His visit to the United States is seen as a critical moment for a church ridden by scandals and issues.

Weeks after his trip, bishops will convene at the Vatican and make a round of final discussions about the church's most pressing issues, such as homosexuality, divorcees and their right to receive communion.

The pope's stop in New York is not yet confirmed, although Archbishop Bernardito Auza, head of Vatican's permanent observer mission to the United Nations told The Associated Press last week that if the pope visits Philadelphia, he will also visit New York.

Vatican's spokesperson Rev. Federico Lombardi, however, said only the Philadelphia trip has been confirmed as of press time.

Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia will definitely welcome millions of crowd eager to see and hear the pope.

A Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the city center will be celebrated.

Pope Francis made it known last August his interest to visit the United States in 2015 for the meeting in Philadelphia, the Catholic News Agency revealed.

The pontiff already received invitations from President Obama, the United States Congress and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

The pope's no-nonsense style, humility and compassion have earned him the raves of Catholics (and even non-Catholics) in the United States.

Last March, the pope welcomed President Obama on his visit to the Vatican. They may have skipped talking about controversial social issues, but discussed the plight of the poor, the long-drawn-out conflicts in Syria and the never-ending quest for global peace.

TagsPope Francis, Papal visit, U.S. visit, Catholic Church, World Meeting of Families, Philadelphia