On March 13, 2014 Speaker of the House John Boehner (Republican) wrote to His Holiness Pope Francis:

                               click here to read the official invitation by Speaker Boehner

Same day Speaker Boehner's office released this press statement:

                              click here to read press release

On January 9th, 2015 Vatican's Secretary of State replied to Speaker Boehner accepting invitation:

                             click here to read the official response from Pope's office

On Jan. 19 when Pope Francis was on the plane returning to Rome from his visit to the Philippines, he told reporters that his September trip to the U.S. would take him to Philadelphia, New York and Washington -- where he intends to canonize Blessed Junipero Serra.

The Pope also confirmed he would visit the United Nations in New York. He had already announced his participation Sept. 26 and 27 in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families there.

On February 5, 2015 Speaker Boehner released his official announcement that the Pope will address the Congress:

                             click here to read Speaker Boehner's announcement

The pontiff's "historic visit" would make him the "first leader of the Holy See to address a joint meeting of Congress," Boehner said in a statement, adding that he was "truly grateful that Pope Francis has accepted our invitation."

Speaker Boehner noted that "in a time of global upheaval, the Holy Father's message of compassion and human dignity has moved people of all faiths and backgrounds. His teachings, prayers, and very example bring us back to the blessings of simple things and our obligations to one another."

"We look forward to warmly welcoming Pope Francis to our Capitol and hearing his address on behalf of the American people," he added.