NEW YORK
The head of the Roman Catholic church will address the United Nations during a U.S. visit later this year, the UN confirmed Wednesday.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed Pope Francis' visit "as an important part of a historic year in which the United Nations marks its 70th anniversary," according to a statement issued by Ban's office.
The pontiff will address the UN General Assembly on Sept. 25, and is also scheduled to hold a biltateral meeting with the UN chief.
"The Secretary-General is confident that His Holiness Pope Francis'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," read the UN statement.
The visit will mark his first to the U.S. since he was named pope in March 2013. His trip will also include stops in Washington and Philadelphia.
