Pope Francis poised to deliver historic speech to Congress

September 24, 2015 16:58

Pope Francis will make history on Thursday by becoming the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of Congress in a speech that's expected to challenge lawmakers on some of the most divisive issues in American politics.

Then, in another gesture designed to make politicians uncomfortable, Francis won't enjoy a lavish meal with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Instead, he'll go directly to a lunch with homeless people helped by Catholic charities.

On the third day of his visit to the United States, Francis, the first Jesuit pope, is expected to lean even deeper into politics than his blunt address on the White House lawn on Tuesday, in which he tackled climate change, immigration, the need to respect religious liberty and President Barack Obama's opening to Cuba.

Many of his views are likely to openly clash with the entrenched positions on Capitol Hill, where Republicans control both the House and the Senate. But he could put Democrats on the spot as well if he weighs in on the abortion debate and if he calls for traditional marriage to be protected.

The Argentine-born Pope introduced himself Wednesday at the White House as the "son of an immigrant family," making clear his deep personal connection to an issue that has opened up bitter fault lines in the 2016 presidential race and within the Republican Party.

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