Pope Francis Invited To Address Congress

The Catholic faith is deeply rooted here in South louisiana. With the Lenten season underway, many Acadiana Catholics are paying their penance.

Scandals have rocked the Catholic church in recent years. A new Pope has completed his first year, and has called for healing and unity. Pope Francis has cultivated an image of open mindedness, and accessibility. He appears to have established himself as a man of the people. Millions have become enthralled with his humility, and pastoral manor.

The Washington Post reports the Pontiff has been invited to address a joint session of the United States Congress. House speaker John Boehner has sent a formal invitation to the Vatican.

Boehner wrote, the Pope's actions, "have prompted careful reflection and vigorous dialogue among people of all ideologies and religious views in the United States and throughout a rapidly changing world, particularly among those who champion human dignity, freedom, and social justice."

Pope Francis will reportedly visit the U.S. next year. If he accepts the speaker's invitation, he will be the first Pope to Address Congress.