Senator Lankford Invites Archbishop Paul S. Coakley as Guest For Pope Francis Joint Session of Congress

WASHINGTON, DC— Senator James Lankford (R-OK) has invited Archbishop Paul S. Coakley to be his guest as his Holiness Pope Francis addresses a joint session of Congress on Thursday. Bishop Coakley was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as the fourth Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma in December 2010. 

“Pope Francis’s visit is an historic event not just for our Catholic brothers and sisters but for all Americans,” said Lankford. “Pope Francis has dedicated his life’s work to serving the Lord by serving all people—a lesson we can all take to heart. I’m thankful that Archbishop Coakley is able to join me for the Pope’s first address to a joint session of Congress.”

Pope Francis will become the first Pope in U.S. history to address a joint session of Congress. The joint session will begin at 10am ET. 

###