Pope Francis to celebrate Mass at Basilica near Catholic U.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Pope Francis will celebrate an outdoor Mass from the steps of Washington’s basilica for a crowd at the Catholic University of America when he visits in September.

The Archdiocese of Washington says the pope will celebrate Mass on Sept. 23 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Organizers say Francis will appear on the basilica’s east portico. The congregation is expected to assemble around the basilica on the university mall.

The White House has announced that President Barack Obama will meet with Pope Francis on Sept. 23 as well. And House Speaker John Boehner has said the pope will address a joint session of Congress on Sept. 24.

Previously, Pope Benedict XVI visited Catholic University in 2008 and celebrated Mass at Nationals Park, drawing thousands.