Pope Francis to address UN General Assembly in September

United Nations, Mar 19: Pope Francis will address world leaders during the annual UN General Assembly session in September as part of his first US visit which coincides with the 70th anniversary of the world body.

During the visit on September 25, the Pope would address the General Assembly and would also have bilateral meetings with the Secretary-General and President of the General Assembly. He would also participate in a town hall gathering with United Nations staff.

It is "important part of a historic year in which the United Nations marks its 70th anniversary and in which Member States will take major decisions about sustainable development, climate change and the future peace and well-being of humankind," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said as he welcomed the visit.

The UN said that the Secretary-General was confident the Pope's visit will "inspire the international community to redouble its efforts to achieve human dignity for all through ensuring greater social justice, tolerance and understanding among all of the world's peoples."

The Pope is also expected to address a joint meeting of the Congress a day before he arrives in New York. He is also expected to meet with President Barack Obama in Washington.

PTI