Pope arrives at US Capitol ahead of speech to Congress

Washington: Pope Francis arrived on Capitol Hill Thursday ahead of his historic speech to US lawmakers, the first time the leader of the Roman Catholic Church has addressed a joint meeting of Congress.

The 78-year-old Argentine pontiff was greeted by Republican House Speaker John Boehner, who is Catholic. Thousands of people gathered on the West Lawn of the Capitol in the hopes of catching a glimpse of Francis after the speech.

"Your Holiness, welcome," Boehner said.

Vice President Joe Biden, cabinet members and Supreme Court Justices were also in attendance for the highly-anticipated speech.