The White House has invited several opponents to traditional Catholic teaching for Pope Francis' visit next week.

Pope Francis' visit to the White House during his tour of the USA will be attended by a pro-choice nun, a transgender man and an openly gay Episcopal Bishop.

Thomas D Williams, research fellow at the Center for Ethics and Culture, Notre Dame University, called it a "stunning show of political indecorum."

Thousands are expected to gather to help President Obama welcome Francis as he embarks upon his tour of the US, which includes visits to Washington, New York and Philadelphia.

"In a time of global upheaval, the Holy Father's message of compassion and human dignity has moved people of all faiths and backgrounds," said Speaker of the House John Boehner. "His teachings, prayers, and very example bring us back to the blessings of simple things and our obligations to one another. We look forward to warmly welcoming Pope Francis to our Capitol and hearing his address on behalf of the American people."

The reception will include Gene Robinson, Mateo Williamson and Sister Simone Campbell, according to Breitbart News.

Gene Robinson was the first openly gay episcopal bishop. He has attended several religious events with the Obama administration including his inauguration in 2009.

Mateo Williamson is transgender and former co-chairman of the Transgender Caucus for Dignity USA. He has also been part of Owning Our Faith, a documentary about LGBT Catholics.

Sister Simone Campbell, a pro-abortion executive director of the social justice lobby NETWORK and leader of the "Nuns on the Bus" advocacy tours, will be in attendance.

"I think it's so important that the pope is visiting because his global message is especially important for the United States," said Campbell, who will also attend the pope's speech to a joint meeting of Congress. "His message of changing our throwaway culture and to address the crisis of exploitation is really the key to changing our world to be more inclusive in the economy and more caretaking about the earth — and a lot of this policy starts in the US."

Francis and Obama will talk privately after the reception particularly focussing on the environment, immigrants and refugees, and "protecting religious minorities and promoting religious freedom around the world," the White House said.