Pope Francis made history during his pastoral visit to Washington, D.C., from September 22-24, 2015, marking the first stop on his inaugural visit to the United States.
During this visit, he became the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of Congress, using the platform to urge lawmakers to collaborate for the common good, highlighting the need to advocate for the poor, immigrants, and the defense of human life and the environment.
In his speech to Congress, he spoke of the pressing challenges facing the nation, calling for a renewed spirit of cooperation that has historically yielded positive outcomes for the United States.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing immigrants, who have come to America searching for a better life, as individuals deserving of respect and compassion.
Pope Francis also reflected on the legacies of four significant Americans, including President Abraham Lincoln and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., along with two prominent 20th-century Catholics, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton.
Following his address, the Holy Father visited Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington to meet with the poor and homeless, as well as the dedicated volunteers and staff members who serve them.
At St. Patrick’s Church, situated near Catholic Charities’ headquarters, the pope met with clients and agency employees, offering a prayer for strength on their life journeys.
“May the Lord bless each one of you, and may he also bless Catholic Charities and the faith-filled work they do for the poor and marginalized of your city,” he said.
Msgr. John Enzler, then president and CEO of Catholic Charities, remarked on the significance of the pope’s actions—moving from addressing powerful lawmakers to engaging with those who often go unheard and unnoticed in society.
Afterward, the pope participated in a prayer at a lunch served by the St. Maria’s Meals Program, interacting with approximately 300 clients, offering smiles and greetings as he moved through the crowd.
Earlier on September 23, Pope Francis celebrated a Canonization Mass outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, canonizing St. Junípero Serra, the renowned 18th-century Franciscan missionary to California—the first canonization to take place on U.S. soil.
During the Mass, he referenced Father Serra’s motto, “Keep moving forward!” advocating for this inspirational message to resonate with today’s Catholics, urging them to embody missionary discipleship in their daily lives.
On that same day, Pope Francis received a warm welcome at the White House from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
At the ceremony, a gospel choir from St. Augustine Parish performed, while President Obama commended the pontiff for his message of love and hope, which has profoundly touched countless individuals across the nation and beyond.
In gratitude, Pope Francis expressed his appreciation to President Obama for the warm reception, declaring, “As a son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families.”
Following the White House visit, he attended a midday prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle with over 300 Catholic bishops from across the nation.
During this service, the first Latin American pope identified himself as “a pastor from the South” and a “brother among brothers,” emphasizing the need for bishops to be pastors to their communities.
He urged the bishops to continue welcoming and assisting immigrants, making it clear that these individuals would undoubtedly enhance America and its Catholic Church.
Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the Jeanne Jugan Residence for the elderly poor, a facility operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington, expressing his gratitude for their compassionate service.
The pope’s day continued as he arrived at the archdiocese’s Saint John Paul Seminary, engaging with 49 seminarians and their priest faculty members.
He expressed joy in seeing young men responding to God’s call, and before departing, left a handwritten note for them, stating: “May the seminarians of Saint John Paul II Seminary grow daily in their love for Jesus and be his witnesses in the world.
And please, pray for me. Don’t forget!”
Upon landing at Joint Base Andrews on September 22, Pope Francis was warmly welcomed by President Obama and four Catholic schoolchildren, accompanied by a musical performance from the Wind Ensemble of DeMatha Catholic High School.
Throughout his visit, enthusiastic students from local Catholic schools lined the streets outside the Apostolic Nunciature, where the pope often paused to personally greet them.
Pope Francis’s approach to proclaiming and living the Gospel—from the grand halls of Congress to the intimate setting of a food line at Catholic Charities—touched the hearts of many and captivated the nation.
In celebration of his arrival, more than 100,000 members of the community committed to the Walk with Francis pledge, promising to pray, serve, or act on behalf of those in need.
Inspired by the pope’s example, many others also took the pledge in the ensuing months, ensuring their ongoing journey of faith, a path that began with Pope Francis’s visit to Washington.
image source from：https://www.cathstan.org/voices/when-pope-francis-visited-washington
