Zelensky’s address to Congress part of a tradition of foreign leaders speaking to lawmakers and the U.S.

When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a virtual address to the U.S. Congress on Wednesday, he will become the latest world leader in a long history of foreign and religious leaders to speak to the lawmaking body.

Joint meetings of Congress have historically been an opportunity for lawmakers to hear from an internationally respected figure. The gatherings became a standard part of foreign leaders’ visits to the United States after the end of World War II in 1945. Since then, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, South African President Nelson Mandela, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Pope Francis and Queen Elizabeth have all addressed Congress.