Paul KeenanSpeaker John Boehner extends invitation
Pope Francis has received an invitation to address the US House of Congress.
Speaker John Boehner confirmed that a formal invitation had been issued to the Pontiff on the occasion of his first anniversary as Pope on March 13.
"Pope Francis has inspired millions of Americans with his pastoral manners and servant leadership," Boehner wrote in his invitation.
The Vatican has not yet responded to the invitation, and it is unlikely a papal trip to Washington DC will take place this year. President Obama will travel to the Vatican on March 27 for an audience with Pope Francis.