The top 5 most inspiring Pope Francis events to expect in the U.S.

Inspiring and interesting plans

Pope Francis is set to arrive on U.S. soil for the very first time today and he has big plans! 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (Catholic Online) - After having a little fun in Cuba the past few days, Pope Francis is heading to America! 

What are his plans? Where will he go? Who will he talk to? What will he talk about? Well, we don't know for certain since our wonderful pope has a habit of being spontaneous and often ignores protocol, particularly security risks, but The Blaze reported a list of wonderful things Pope Francis plans to do during his trip to the United States. Here is Catholic Online's take on the top five most interesting and inspiring plans Pope Francis has for his trip to America:

1. Meet the Homeless

Okay, so we see homeless people all the time but do we treat them as equals? Pope Francis has been known to speak to homeless people and treat them with the same respect he gives everyone else. Never forget Matthew 25:34-40, Pope Francis certainly hasn't.

2. Visit Inmates

Pope Francis has a big heart and has even gone as far as eating lunch with inmates suffering HIV in Naples, so it comes as no surprise to hear that he plans to visit inmates at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. In anticipation of the papal visit, the inmates made Pope Francis a chair, which they hope he will sit in during his visit.

3. Hold a Procession Through Central Park

On September 25, the pontiff will hold a procession through Central Park in New York City. It will span 12-blocks around Central Park's West Drive. 80,000 tickets were available to see Pope Francis in his American popemobile.

4. Preside Over First Canonization on U.S Soil

The first canonization on U.S. soil will be held at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washinton, D.C. on Wednesday. Pope Francis will be presiding over the canonization of Fr. Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest and Spanish-born missionary who went to California to spread Christianity. He helped establish nine missions along the state's coast.

5. Meet with Obama and Congress

In another first, Pope Francis is scheduled to meet U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House Wednesday morning and will be the first pope to address a joint session of Congress on Thursday morning.

Reuters reported members of Congress were told not to shake the pontiff's hands when he enters the room. 

USA Today quoted House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio and devout Catholic, saying, "In a time of global upheaval, the Holy Father's message of compassion and human dignity has moved people of all faiths and backgrounds ... His teachings, prayers and very example bring us back to the blessings of simple things and our obligations to one another."

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-California and devout Catholic, said, "Pope Francis has renewed the faith of Catholics worldwide and inspired a new generation of people, regardless of their religious affiliation, to be instruments of peace."

Which event is the most inspiring? What interests you more? What else has Pope Francis done to inspire you? Tell us in the comments below! 

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