WASHINGTON (AP) -- Standing before Congress, Pope Francis issued a ringing call to action on behalf of immigrants Thursday, urging lawmakers to embrace "the stranger in our midst" as he became the first pontiff in history to address a joint meeting of the legislators.
Referencing the migration crisis in Europe as well as the United States' own struggle with immigration from Latin America, Francis summoned lawmakers "to respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal."
"We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best as we can to their situation," Francis urged.
Read more special coverage on the pope's visit: Will Pope Francis take the US to task during his visit?
He was welcomed enthusiastically to a House chamber packed with Supreme Court justices, Cabinet officials, and lawmakers of both parties, uniting the bickering factions before he even opened his mouth as all stood to cheer his arrival. The sergeant at arms intoned "Mr. Speaker, the pope of the Holy See" and Francis made his way up the center aisle in his white robes, moving slowly as lawmakers applauded, some inclining their heads in bows. Learn more about this historic address to Congress/House combined by The Holy See by clicking the link below:
http://www.aol.com/article/2015/09/24/francis-at-the-capitol-congress-and-crowds-gather/21240416/
A Call to Duty.
Posted By: agnes levine
Thursday, September 24th 2015 at 11:35AM
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