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Pope Francis makes historic address to US Congress Pope Francis makes historic address to US Congress
(36 minutes later)
Pope Francis has become the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of the US Congress, where he received a warm welcome from more than 500 lawmakers, justices and officials.Pope Francis has become the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of the US Congress, where he received a warm welcome from more than 500 lawmakers, justices and officials.
He was greeted at the US Capitol by Speaker of the House John Boehner, who is Catholic, and then entered the chamber to thunderous applause.He was greeted at the US Capitol by Speaker of the House John Boehner, who is Catholic, and then entered the chamber to thunderous applause.
He began his speech by warning of the dangers of "ideological extremism". His speech repeated his opposition to the death penalty and abortion.
And he emphasised the importance of welcoming immigrants.And he emphasised the importance of welcoming immigrants.
He said the world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since World War Two, and noted that thousands travel north into the US for a better life every year.He said the world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since World War Two, and noted that thousands travel north into the US for a better life every year.
"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 we can to their situation," he said."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 we can to their situation," he said.
Thousands of people have gathered on the West Lawn of the Capitol hoping to see the 78-year-old Argentine pontiff after the speech. Also in the speech:
Sitting behind him was Vice President Joe Biden and Mr Boehner, the first and second in line to the presidency, who are both Roman Catholics. Mr Boehner, sat behind the pontiff, appeared to be moved to tears during the speech.
Mr Boehner, a Republican, is a former altar boy who invited the Pope to speak after failing to persuade his two predecessors to do likewise. He has ruled out fears that Francis - who has a reputation for being politically engaged - will stir up controversy. After finishing with the words "God bless America", the Pope received a prolonged standing ovation.
"The Pope transcends all of this," Mr Boehner wrote in an online essay. "He appeals to our better angels and brings us back to our daily obligations. The best thing we can all do is listen, open our hearts to his message and reflect on his example." The 78-year-old Argentine pontiff then appeared on a balcony at the Capitol and spoke to thousands gathered on the West Lawn.
Catholics in America:
Later on Thursday the Pope is due to share a meal with homeless people.Later on Thursday the Pope is due to share a meal with homeless people.
Catholics in America:
On Wednesday, he upset some victims of clerical child abuse by offering sympathy to US bishops while saying little to address the suffering of the survivors, our correspondent says.On Wednesday, he upset some victims of clerical child abuse by offering sympathy to US bishops while saying little to address the suffering of the survivors, our correspondent says.
On his way to Washington from Cuba, Pope Francis told journalists that despite his criticism of capitalism he was not "a leftie", as the media had sometimes painted him.On his way to Washington from Cuba, Pope Francis told journalists that despite his criticism of capitalism he was not "a leftie", as the media had sometimes painted him.
The Pope is on his first official visit to the US and has sought to bring Catholics back to the Church with a more inclusive message. He has drawn massive crowds.The Pope is on his first official visit to the US and has sought to bring Catholics back to the Church with a more inclusive message. He has drawn massive crowds.
The pontiff arrived in the US on Tuesday, following his first visit to Cuba.The pontiff arrived in the US on Tuesday, following his first visit to Cuba.
Five tricky issues for the Pope in the USFive tricky issues for the Pope in the US
Are you in Washington DC, New York or Philadelphia? Are you planning on seeing the pontiff?Are you in Washington DC, New York or Philadelphia? Are you planning on seeing the pontiff?
Share your pictures with us, email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Share your pictures with us, email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:
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