Congress plans to put up a massive stage and jumbotron on the West Front of the Capitol to let people watch the pope's address to a joint session of Congress next month.

Pope Francis also plans to make a brief in-person appearance on the West Front, the only time the general public in Washington, D.C., will be able to see him.

"The visit of Pope Francis to the U.S. Capitol is a historic moment for the country," House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said in a statement Wednesday. "Given the unprecedented nature of his visit, Pope Francis' address to a joint meeting of Congress will be broadcast live to members of the public on the West Front of the Capitol."

"In addition, Pope Francis has expressed an interest in making a brief appearance on the West Front," he added. "We look forward to welcoming Pope Francis and Americans from all walks of life to our Capitol on Sept. 24."

Francis, who accepted Boehner's invitation in February, arrives in Washington from Havana, Cuba, on Sept. 22. He will meet with President Obama at the White House the following day (Sept. 23), before holding a prayer at St. Matthew's Cathedral and celebrating mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception that night. He leaves for New York City after his Congressional address on Sept. 24.