House Speaker John Boehner is preparing an “inauguration-like setting” on the west front of the U.S. Capitol so members of the public can view Pope Francis’s visit to Washington in September.
The setup will include Jumbotrons so onlookers can watch the pope’s address to a joint meeting of Congress, Boehner’s office said in a press release Wednesday morning. His Holiness will also make a brief appearance on the west front after his speech inside the House chamber.
“The visit of Pope Francis to the U.S. Capitol is a historic moment for the country,” Boehner said in a statement. “Given the unprecedented nature of his visit, Pope Francis’ address to a joint meeting of Congress will be broadcast live to members of the public on the West Front of the Capitol.”
“We look forward to welcoming Pope Francis and Americans from all walks of life to our Capitol on September 24,” Boehner added.
The speaker, who is Catholic, last year extended a formal invitation to the pope to address Congress and the pope officially accepted this February. The pope’s visit will mark the first time the head of the Catholic Church addresses a joint meeting of Congress.
During Francis’s visit to the U.S., his first since becoming pope, he is also scheduled to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia and will also visit New York.