Pope Francis To Visit White House In September

Pope Francis will meet US President Barack Obama in Washington on 23 September, the White House says.

A statement from the White House said the talks would focus on the environment, "protecting religious minorities and promoting religious freedom around the world" as well as "integrating immigrants and refugees into our communities", among other issues.

"The President looks forward to continuing this conversation with the Holy Father during his first visit to the United States as Pope," it said.

Francis is already scheduled to address the annual UN General Assembly of world leaders on 25 September.

The Pontiff has also agreed to address a joint meeting of Congress on 24 September, the first time the head of the world's Roman Catholics has been given the honour.

The 78-year-old old will also take part in the Catholic Church congress in Philadelphia.

The US is home to some 78 million Roman Catholics.

Mr Obama met the popular Pope at the Vatican in March last year.