Pope Francis Tours US Capitol With Boehner, Biden

A behind the scenes look at the first-ever papal visit to Congress was streamed live to House Speaker John Boehner’s Facebook page on Thursday, September 24. The livestream, recorded by Boehner’s digital communications director on an iPhone, also captured the pope walking with Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden from the chamber to the balcony overlooking the west lawn, where cheering crowds were waiting.

In his remarks before Congress, Francis cited the golden rule and asked Congress to embrace immigrants. His speech also embraced American icons such as Martin Luther King Jr and Abraham Lincoln. Prior to his speech, Francis also met privately with Boehner, a devout Catholic who has invited three popes to speak before Congress.

Francis’ six-day trip to the United States is his first. Following the speech, Francis is to stop at St Patrick’s, Washington’s oldest Catholic church. He will then depart for New York. Credit: Facebook/Speaker John Boehner