Pope Francis delivers his blessing while praying at a statue of Mary overlooking the Spanish Steps in Rome on Dec. 8, 2014, during the feast of the Immaculate Conception. 

Pope Francis arrives in Washington today to begin a historic six-day visit to the United States at a time of heated debate over religious liberty and civil rights in this country.

The first Latin American pope enjoys favorability ratings — among both Catholics and the general public — comparable to those of Pope John Paul II in the late 1980s and early 90s, according to a Pew Research Center survey.

Many of the pontiff’s scheduled activities — including a lunch with homeless people immediately following the first-ever address address to a joint session of Congress by a pope — are being interpreted by observers as implicit rebukes of American priorities, both politically and culturally.

How do you view Pope Francis? What topics do you hope he addresses during his visit? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.