Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis

The President and the First Lady will welcome His Holiness Pope Francis to the White House on Wednesday, September 23.  During the visit, the President and the Pope will continue the dialogue, which they began during the President’s visit to the Vatican in March 2014, on their shared values and commitments on a wide range of issues, including caring for the marginalized and the poor; advancing economic opportunity for all; serving as good stewards of the environment; protecting religious minorities and promoting religious freedom around the world; and welcoming and integrating immigrants and refugees into our communities.  The President  looks forward to continuing this conversation with the Holy Father during his first visit to the United States as Pope.