Pope Francis’ Blessed Visit to Washington D.C. in 2015 — A Look Back

The Pope’s Blessed Visit to Washington, D.C.

The world is saying goodbye to Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at age 88 at his home in the Vatican.

As people from around the world share their memories of him, let’s look back at his important trip to Washington, D.C. in September 2015.

This visit was the first time the Argentine pope came to America, and it left a big mark on both the city and the country.

The Presidential Welcome

When Pope Francis landed at Andrews Air Force Base on September 22, 2015, he received an unprecedented welcome. President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and their families greeted him personally on the tarmac.

The Historic White House Reception

The following day, Pope Francis was welcomed to the White House with full ceremonial honors, including a 21-gun salute. Over 15,000 guests gathered on the South Lawn to witness this momentous occasion, making it one of the largest White House welcomes ever held.

The Canonization of Junípero Serra

During a Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Francis performed the first-ever canonization ceremony on U.S. soil, elevating Spanish missionary Junípero Serra to sainthood.

This controversial decision highlighted the pope’s willingness to confront difficult historical questions.

The Historic Congressional Address

On September 24, Pope Francis became the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of Congress. Speaking in English, he called for dialogue, compassion, and cooperation while touching on issues like immigration, climate change, capital punishment, and the sanctity of human life at all stages.

The Surprise Visit to Little Sisters of the Poor

Following his Congressional address, Pope Francis made an unannounced visit to the Little Sisters of the Poor home in Washington, demonstrating his trademark preference for direct engagement with ordinary people and marginalized communities over exclusive high-profile events.

Lunch with the Homeless

Rather than dining with dignitaries, Pope Francis chose to have lunch with homeless people at a Catholic Charities meal program. He blessed their food and personally served some of the guests, embodying his consistent message about the dignity of the poor.

The Little Car That Made a Big Statement

Throughout Washington, Pope Francis rode in a small Fiat 500L instead of a fancy car or limo. This simple choice caught everyone’s attention and matched his message about living simply and caring for the environment.

Meeting Abuse Victims

In a private meeting at St. Patrick’s Church, Pope Francis sat down with victims of sexual abuse by priests. He listened to their stories, said he was sorry, and promised the Church would keep working to heal wounds and prevent future abuse.

The Parade That Stopped the City

Thousands of people lined Washington’s streets to see Pope Francis during a parade near the White House. Security was extremely tight, but the pope still stopped his car several times to bless children from the crowd.