Pope Francis to celebrate outdoor mass at basilica

Pope Francis is scheduled to lead an outdoor mass from the steps of D.C.’s basilica for a crowd at the Catholic University of America when he visits in September. The Archdiocese of Washington stated that the event will be held on September 23 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Francis will appear on the basilica’s east portico. The congregation is expected to convene around the basilica on the university mall. The White House publicized that President Barack Obama will meet with Pope Francis on September 23 as well. House Speaker John Boehner has said the pope will speak at a joint session of Congress on September 24. Pope Benedict XVI previously visited Catholic University back in 2008 and celebrated mass at Nationals Park, drawing thousands.