Faithful in Chicago gather to watch Pope Francis address Congress

The Vatican has said Francis is expected to discuss the need for peace, the plight of refugees and the role of poverty and bad government in driving conflict and migration.

“It was the most special thing, above all because I have small kids”, said Carmen Nuñez, with one of her children in her arms.

He received tickets to the pope’s speech before Congress from his representative’s office.

The full text of the pope’s address is available here. Did he neglect to bring up any issues you would have liked him to address? The pope reminded the U.S. Congress that this nation is comprised of immigrants.

Jason Berry, religion writer who has is in DC covering the Pope’s visit for GlobalPost.

Reactions to the address were mixed; at times his words drew applause from both sides of the aisle, while other comments elicited decidedly partisan responses.

Drawing from his own background as the son of Italian immigrants, Francis said immigration is rooted in the history of the United States, and that “we the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners”.

“Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family”.

The pope referred to the USA legislators before him as the “face of the people”, urging them that their work promote the good and respect the dignity of human beings. To respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal. Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated. In his speech, the pontiff called on the U.S.to take “courageous actions” to “avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity”. And when he ended with “God bless America“, there was no dissent. He previously made unsuccessful attempts at inviting two other popes, The New York Times reported.

Pope Francis’s message was surprisingly direct on pushing against the congressional gridlock that has prevented positive reforms.

“This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty”, Pope Francis said.

“Even though I’m not Catholic, I did appreciate hearing from the pope and his perspective”.

“After speaking with the congressmen, the senators, he’s making the decision to go and have lunch with the homeless at the Catholic Charities”, said Father Atusameso, adding that this was uncharacteristic of his predecessors.