Pope Francis speaks about immigrants at US Congress

While the pope did speak about terrorism briefly, Donovan said his speech to Congress wasn’t the forum to expect him to go into detail.

Sofia, five, broke through the crowds to deliver a letter on behalf of millions of undocumented USA migrants.

The fight against poverty and hunger takes many forms, the Pope continued.

And while most of us fall short of such heights – including, sometimes, our churches – Pope Francis reminded lawmakers that America has a history of sacrificing particular interests in order to share common good.

His words on immigration were especially important for associations such as the Civil Rights Assembly of Minnesota, which has been fighting for immigration reform for years and whose members have great expectations for the pontiff’s visit. “To respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal”, he said. He reiterated his call to abolish the death penalty and repeated his plea on behalf of immigrants.

In the speech, the pontiff highlighted the work of several famous Americans including Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, and said even amid conflict they provide inspiration.

He asked, “Why are weapons given to those who use them to inflict harm on innocent people?”

“He only answers to one person”, Gallego said.

Gallego said he also agreed with other issues in the speech, including the pope’s opposition to the death penalty, which the lawmaker called “morally consistent with what the church has been saying for a while”.

He added: “I am convinced that this way is the best, since every life is sacred, every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity”.

Pope Francis continues to be the talk of the nation as he makes his American trip on the east coast.

The Pope also signaled his support for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba, without explicitly mentioning the issue, when he said: “When countries which have been at odds resume the path of dialogue – a dialogue which may have been interrupted for the most legitimate of reasons – new opportunities open up for all”. We must see the faces of human beings.

Francis is certainly no more political or secular than Urban II, who initiated the Crusades to thwart the advance of Muslims in the Byzantine Empire and to retake the holy city of Jerusalem.

Today I would like not only to address you, but through you the entire people of the United States.

After the speech, the pope made a brief stop in the halls of the Capitol to bless the 2-week-old daughter of a staff member for House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. But most Republicans noticeably did not applaud when he discussed economic justice, environmental protection and immigrant rights.