Papal Visit Day 3 Briefing: Pope Francis Addresses Congress

Pope Francis will make more history Thursday when he becomes the first pope to address the United States Congress. Here's what's on tap for the pope's last day in Washington, D.C.:

U.S. Capitol, 9:15 a.m.

Expect a 30-minute speech in English when Francis speaks to a joint meeting of Congress Thursday morning, then an appearance from the Speaker's Balcony, where he'll wave to an expected crowd of 30,000 people.

First, though, Francis will meet with Speaker of the House, Rep. John Boehner, who's reportedly been trying to get a sitting pope to come to Congress every year since he was elected, more than 20 years ago.

What kind of reception will the pontiff get before America's lawmakers? At least one congressman is boycotting the event over the pope's views on climate change.

St. Patrick in the City, 11:15 a.m.

After that grand moment, Francis will travel to St. Patrick in the city, the oldest Catholic parish in Washington D.C.. There he'll speak to clients of Catholic Charities, a group mission-driven to help the poor, including over 120,000 people in the Archdiocese of Washington.

Following a blessing of the chapel, Francis heads to a lunch where he'll mingle among 200 homeless people waiting to be fed. Keep an eye out for his blessing of a statue of "Homeless Jesus."

Tourists used to toss coins at a green sea turtle that lived in a pond in eastern Thailand, wishing for luck and longevity. But swallowing the shiny tidbits turned out to be a death sentence for the reptile. After having nearly a thousand coins removed from its stomach in a four-hour operation two weeks ago, the turtle — nicknamed "Omsin," or "Piggy Bank," — died Tuesday. Omsin, estimated to be 25 years old, had been rescued by Thai navy personnel who saw her visibly ailing in the seaside town of Sattahip. She was then examined by a veterinarian, who found the coins inside her stomach.

Want to Watch the Events?

This will be a big day for those of you who like to gather to watch history. Many people will gather on the National Mall to watch the speech to Congress on Jumbotrons; others will gather at the NBC4 viewing event in Dupont Circle (more on that event here).

We will cover all the day's biggest events live with livestreams on our website and in our app. Click here for full coverage of the papal visit.

Departs D.C. for NY, 4 p.m.

It's been a whirlwind few days in the nation's capital, but it's time for the pope to head to the City That Never Sleeps to greet even more eager crowds.

Among his biggest events there: A speech at the United Nations, a visit to a small East Harlem school and Mass at Madison Square Garden. But they'll all pale in comparison to this weekend's massive World Meeting of the Families in Philadelphia.

Washington, D.C., Forecast

Sunshine with a few clouds, and warm with highs around 80 degrees, according to Storm Team 4.

[NATL-DC] Presidents and Popes: Historic Meetings

If You're in Town

Check out these tips on how to get around. Still have questions? Here's what you can and can't do during Francis' visit to D.C.

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