When will Pope Francis visit the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.?

Pope Francis will address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Thursday, September 24, 2015, beginning at 10AM, EST.  

What is happening on the West Front of the Capitol for the Pope’s visit?

The U.S. Congress will be hosting a ticketed jumbotron broadcast of the Pope’s address to Congress on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.  Dependent on an on-time schedule, the Pope has expressed an interest in coming to see the public out on the West Front following his address to Congress. 

How do I get a ticket to the West Front broadcast of Pope Francis’ address?

Due to the high level of interest, a limited number of tickets have been made available to the public to view a simulcast of the address from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, where Pope Francis is also expected to make an appearance from the Speaker’s balcony.  

What is a Joint Meeting of Congress?

A Joint Meeting is the preferred method for receiving addresses from foreign leaders and dignitaries. Joint Meetings are used for special commemorative events and to receive addresses by domestic dignitaries.  To initiate a Joint Meeting, both the House and Senate, by resolution or by unanimous consent, declare themselves in recess for a joint gathering in the House Chamber.

Pope Francis will be addressing a Joint Meeting of Congress in his role as Head of State of the Holy See.