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Pope Francis to make historic address to US Congress Pope Francis makes historic address to US Congress
(35 minutes later)
Pope Francis is to become the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of the US Congress, with an audience of more than 500 lawmakers, justices and senior officials. Pope Francis has become the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of the US Congress, where he received a warm welcome from more than 500 lawmakers, justices and officials.
He was greeted at the US Capitol on Thursday morning by Speaker of the House John Boehner, who is Catholic. He was greeted at the US Capitol by Speaker of the House John Boehner, who is Catholic, and then entered the chamber to thunderous applause.
The Pope's speech is expected to mention some controversial issues like immigration and abortion. The speech is expected to include divisive issues like immigration.
Later on Thursday the Pope is due to share a meal with homeless people.Later on Thursday the Pope is due to share a meal with homeless people.
Thousands of people have gathered on the West Lawn of the Capitol hoping to see the 78-year-old Argentine pontiff after the speech.
The pontiff is making his speech from the dais where the president delivers the annual State of the Union address and from where monarchs and other heads of state have addressed Congress.
BBC religious affairs correspondent Caroline Wyatt says the Pope's appearance in Congress has also provoked debate among some lawmakers as to whether a religious leader should be asked to address a secular democratic body.BBC religious affairs correspondent Caroline Wyatt says the Pope's appearance in Congress has also provoked debate among some lawmakers as to whether a religious leader should be asked to address a secular democratic body.
On Wednesday, he upset some victims of clerical child abuse by offering sympathy to US bishops while saying little to address the suffering of the survivors, our correspondent says.
On his way to Washington from Cuba, Pope Francis told journalists that despite his criticism of capitalism he was not "a leftie", as the media had sometimes painted him.
Thousands of spectators will be watching his address from the West Lawn of Capitol Hill and many more on TV from around the world.
The pontiff is expected to make his speech from the dais where the president delivers the annual State of the Union address and from where monarchs and other heads of state have addressed Congress.
Sitting behind him will be Vice President Joe Biden and Mr Boehner, the first and second in line to the presidency, who are both Roman Catholics.Sitting behind him will be Vice President Joe Biden and Mr Boehner, the first and second in line to the presidency, who are both Roman Catholics.
Mr Boehner, a Republican, is a former altar boy who invited the Pope to speak after failing to persuade his two predecessors to do likewise. He has ruled out fears that Francis - who has a reputation for being politically engaged - will stir up controversy.Mr Boehner, a Republican, is a former altar boy who invited the Pope to speak after failing to persuade his two predecessors to do likewise. He has ruled out fears that Francis - who has a reputation for being politically engaged - will stir up controversy.
"The Pope transcends all of this," Mr Boehner wrote in an online essay. "He appeals to our better angels and brings us back to our daily obligations. The best thing we can all do is listen, open our hearts to his message and reflect on his example.""The Pope transcends all of this," Mr Boehner wrote in an online essay. "He appeals to our better angels and brings us back to our daily obligations. The best thing we can all do is listen, open our hearts to his message and reflect on his example."
Catholics in America:
On Wednesday, he upset some victims of clerical child abuse by offering sympathy to US bishops while saying little to address the suffering of the survivors, our correspondent says.
On his way to Washington from Cuba, Pope Francis told journalists that despite his criticism of capitalism he was not "a leftie", as the media had sometimes painted him.
The Pope is on his first official visit to the US and has sought to bring Catholics back to the Church with a more inclusive message. He has drawn massive crowds.The Pope is on his first official visit to the US and has sought to bring Catholics back to the Church with a more inclusive message. He has drawn massive crowds.
The pontiff arrived in the US on Tuesday, following his first visit to Cuba.The pontiff arrived in the US on Tuesday, following his first visit to Cuba.
Five tricky issues for the Pope in the USFive tricky issues for the Pope in the US
Are you in Washington DC, New York or Philadelphia? Are you planning on seeing the pontiff?Are you in Washington DC, New York or Philadelphia? Are you planning on seeing the pontiff?
Share your pictures with us, email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Share your pictures with us, email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
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