Pope Francis has told the US Congress that the US must see migrants as “persons” and not as “numbers”.
Speaking to a rare joint session, the Pope said immigrants should be treated “with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated”.
In the same address, the pontiff renewed his call for ending the death penalty, and for better treatment of the poor and disadvantaged.
He was warmly greeted by 500 lawmakers, justices and officials.
After entering the chamber to thunderous applause, he said the world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since World War Two, and noted the immense challenges that the crisis presents.
But he drew particular attention to the movement of migrants from Central America to the United States in search of a better life – a reference which drew a standing ovation.
