It is official.  Pope Francis will be speaking before the US Congress in September, making him the first pontiff to ever stand on its rostrum.

The Pope will deliver his historic papal speech on Sept. 24.

"That day his holiness will be the first pope in our history to address a joint session of Congress," said House Speaker John Boehner.

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Around one in every three members of Congress are Catholic, including both leaders of congress, Democrat,Nancy Pelosi and Republican John Boehner.

Boehner extended his invitation for Francis in March to speak before Congress, saying the pope has inspired millions of Americans with his pastoral manner and servant leadership.

"We're humbled that the Holy Father has accepted our invitation and certainly look forward to receiving his message on behalf of the American people,'' Boehner said.

"We are eager to welcome His Holiness to the U.S. Capitol and we look forward to hearing his call to live our values, to protect the poor and the needy, and to promote peace," Pelosi, meanwhile, said in a statement.

The Pontiff's trip is expected to include a meeting with US President Barack Obama, who has expressed excitement over the Pope's visit. 

"I am very much looking forward to welcoming Pope Francis to the United States," said Obama.

The Pope is also due to deliver a speech before the United Nations in New York and attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

Francis has been known for being vocal about his views on contentious political issues, which could possibly put him at odds with some members of Congress. 

Francis is not the first pope to visit the U.S. capital. Pope John Paul II traveled to Washington, D.C. in 1979, and Pope Benedict XVI visited the capital in 2008.

TagsPope Francis, US visit, Obama, boehner, Pelosi, Washington DC