Boehner-reveals-details-of-Pope-Franciss-visit – Story | Savannah | WJCL News

House Speaker John Boehner announced Wednesday that the speech to be delivered by Pope Francis to a joint session of Congress on September 24 will be broadcast live on a huge screen in front of the Capitol, given the “historic” nature of the occasion.

Jumbotrons typically are used for presidential inaugurations.

Capitol Hill residents and visitors looking to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis during his visit to D.C. this fall might be able to see him on the US Capitol’s West Front. The pope’s visit will mark the first time the head of the Catholic Church addresses a joint meeting of Congress. His Holiness will also make a brief appearance on the west front after his speech inside the House chamber.

Boehner invited Pope Francis to the Capitol back in March 2014, and his invitation was accepted in February.

The outspoken pope is expected to challenge Democrats and Republicans on abortion, immigration and climate change, the issue of his recent encyclical.

According to the itinerary for the visit that is just two months away, the pope will visit four locations in New York City before his two-day stay in Philadelphia on September 26 and 27.