Pope Francis will meet US President Barack Obama in Washington on September 23rd, the White House says.

A statement from the White House said the talks will focus on the environment, "protecting religious minorities and promoting religious freedom around the world" as well as "integrating immigrants and refugees into our communities", among other issues.

"The President looks forward to continuing this conversation with the Holy Father during his first visit to the United States as pope," it said.

Pope Francis is already scheduled to address the annual United Nations General Assembly of world leaders on September 23rd.

He has also agreed to address a joint meeting of Congress on September 24th - the first time the head of the world's Roman Catholics is given the honour.

Mr Obama met the Pontiff at the Vatican in March of last year.