The head of the Roman Catholic Church plans to travel to the United States this year.
The pontiff's visit is not confirmed yet, but is likely to take place in September.
Francis plans to canonize the 18th-century missionary Junipero Serra during the Washington leg of the U.S. trip, probably at the National Shrine. Serra is controversial today for his role in establishing nine missions in California.
During the U.S trip, Francis is also expected to visit the White House and address Congress, then speak at the United Nations in New York, and participate in a mass Catholic rally for families in Philadelphia.
