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Obamas to Host Pope Francis at White House Sept. 23

The White House says President Barack Obama will host Pope Francis in Washington when he visits the United States this fall.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Obama and first lady Michelle Obama would welcome the pontiff as a guest at the White House on Sept. 23. It is Francis' first papal visit to the United States.

The pope is already scheduled to address the annual U.N. General Assembly of world leaders on Sept. 25. He has also agreed to address a joint meeting of Congress on Sept. 24, the first time the head of the world's Roman Catholics will address Congress.  He will also lead a mass  in Philadelphia during the World Meeting of Families the following weekend.

Obama met Francis in the Vatican in March of last year. Earnest said discussions would range from poverty and economic opportunity to immigration and the environment.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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