By Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, Apr 22, 2025 / 07:00 am
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, made a historic visit to the United States in September 2015.
Despite the short duration of the visit, Pope Francis achieved significant milestones. He attracted hundreds of thousands of participants, canonized a new saint (St. Junípero Serra), became the first pope to address a joint session of Congress, and energized the U.S. Catholic community with his presence and powerful speeches on the East Coast.
Washington, D.C.
Arriving in Washington, D.C., on September 22, 2015, after his visit to Cuba, Pope Francis met with President Barack Obama the following morning. This meeting took place during a time of political and social concerns for American Catholics, including issues like the contraceptive mandate and the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide.
During his meeting with President Obama, Pope Francis commended the commitment to inclusivity and religious liberty in America. He also urged action on climate change, echoing the themes of his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si.
During his time in D.C., Pope Francis also addressed bishops and priests at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration within the Church.
Welcome to a historical event that unfolded in Washington, D.C. when Pope Francis visited the United States in September 2015. One of the highlights of his visit was when he celebrated Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where he declared Junípero Serra, the founder of missions in California, a saint. This marked the first canonization on American soil, making it a momentous occasion for Catholics in the country.
In his homily, Pope Francis described Junípero Serra as the embodiment of a Church that goes forth, bringing the reconciling tenderness of God to all corners of the world. The Mass was attended by crowds of faithful who gathered to witness this historic event.
During his visit, Pope Francis also made an unscheduled stop to visit the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington, D.C. The sisters were awaiting word on their case against the federal contraception mandate, and the Pope’s visit was a show of support for their cause. He also took the time to meet with Sister Marie Mathilde at the Jeanne Jugan Residence, a heartwarming moment that touched the hearts of many.
The following day, Pope Francis made history by addressing a joint session of Congress, becoming the first pope to do so. In his speech, he touched on important issues such as the arms trade, the death penalty, and the threats facing families in the modern world. He praised American icons like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. for their efforts to defend freedom and moral values, while also emphasizing the need to respect human life and the environment.
Throughout his visit, Pope Francis showcased his commitment to social justice and compassion, meeting with people experiencing homelessness at Catholic Charities and offering St. Joseph as a patron and model for those who minister to the poor. His words and actions during his time in the United States left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of witnessing his visit.
Joseph faced challenges of injustice and suffering while caring for Mary and Jesus, a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by many in our world today.
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Reflecting on the humility of Jesus, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of addressing homelessness and the lack of housing as a social and moral issue. He reminded us that God stands with us in our suffering and urges us to seek justice and compassion for all.
During his visit to New York City, Pope Francis delivered a historic address to the United Nations General Assembly, urging countries to reject “ideological colonization” and embrace values that respect human dignity and identity.
Additionally, Pope Francis visited Ground Zero, where he prayed with religious leaders and met with families affected by the 9/11 attacks. He offered prayers for the victims, survivors, and those mourning their loved ones, emphasizing the human stories behind acts of destruction.
