WASHINGTON– Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, will visit the White House during his trip to the United States later this year.
The pope will meet with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on Sept. 23, said White House press secretary Josh Earnest in a statement.
“The president and the pope will continue the dialogue, which they began during the president’s visit to the Vatican in March 2014, on their shared values and commitments on a wide range of issues,” Earnest said.
Those shared issues include the economic advancement of the poor, the environment, religious freedom and immigration, according to Earnest.
During his trip, Francis will also address a joint meeting of Congress, speak to world leaders at the United Nations in New York and visit Philadelphia for the the World Meeting of Families, where he is expected to celebrate Mass.
With more than 66 million followers in the U.S., the Roman Catholic Church is the largest single body of Christians in the country.