Pope Francis on Thursday exhorted the United States to summon a “spirit of cooperation” to help the poor, save the climate and address the “unjust structures” that he said are afflicting the globe. 
 
 Delivering the first-ever papal address to a joint session of Congress, Francis lived up to his reputation as a provocative figure, at one point denouncing the global arms industry as being fueled by “money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood.” 
 
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 Invoking Martin Luther King Jr. and his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, Francis made an impassioned plea for the refugees fleeing Syria, saying the crisis is “of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War.” 
 
 Noting his own status as “the son of immigrants,” the pope pivoted to a more sensitive subject: The flow of illegal immigrants across the United States's southern border. 
 
 He urged compassion for immigrants, warning not to repeat “the sins and the errors of the past” by turning them away. 
 
 “On this continent, too, thousands of persons are led to travel north in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities. Is this not what we want for our own children? 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,” Francis said, according to his prepared remarks. 
 
 “Let us remember the golden rule: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,’ ” he added. 
 
 “This rule points us in a clear direction. Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated. Let us seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves.” 
 
 Several Democrats applauded as Francis declared, "We, the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners." 
 
 
 
 Most Republicans did not join in the applause, with GOP presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio Marco Antonio RubioRubio unveils bill to strengthen security at Cuban airports Dem senator calls on Congress to oppose Trump's pick for NASA chief Jeff Flake knows the GOP is in trouble, and so does the base MORE (R-Fla.), a son of Cuban immigrants, among the exceptions. 
 
 At the outset of his address, Francis urged lawmakers and the tens of thousands watching from the National Mall to reject a blind adherence to ideology, be it religion or capitalism. 
 
 “We know that no religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism. … A delicate balance is required to combat violence perpetrated in the name of a religion, an ideology or an economic system, while also safeguarding religious freedom, intellectual freedom and individual freedoms.” 
 
 Citing heavily from his June encyclical on climate change, Francis argued that lawmakers have a responsibility to take steps to address global warming. 
 
 “In Laudato si’, I call for a courageous and responsible effort to redirect our steps and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity,” the pope said. “I am convinced that we can make a difference and I have no doubt that the United States — and this Congress — have an important role to play. Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies.” 
 
 The climate remarks drew a moment of partisanship into the chamber, with many Democrats jumping to their feet to applaud and most Republicans staying in their seats, silent. 
 
 Francis’s decision to only briefly mention climate change may have fallen short of some lawmakers’ expectations. Rep. Paul Gosar Paul Anthony GosarGOP lawmaker spars with CNN reporter over Charlottesville conspiracy theories Flake's exit gives GOP new hope in Arizona Ex-Arizona GOP chair inches closer to bid for Flake's seat MORE (R-Ariz.), a Catholic, announced last week that he would boycott the speech to protest the pope’s views on climate change, arguing that Francis is acting like a “leftist politician.” 
 
 Capitol Hill gave Francis a rock-star welcome Thursday morning. The complex was buzzing with activity well before sunrise as security personnel, staffers, reporters and guests gathered well ahead of the pope’s arrival at 9:15 a.m. 
 
 Before the speech, Francis met privately with Speaker John Boehner John Andrew BoehnerThe original Tea Partier exits, stage right A tyranny of the minority is raising your health care costs Rivalry on right emerges between ‘the two Marks’ MORE (R-Ohio), a Catholic and the person who had extended the invitation to address Congress. 
 
 “Your holiness, welcome, really glad that you’re here,” John Boehner John Andrew BoehnerThe original Tea Partier exits, stage right A tyranny of the minority is raising your health care costs Rivalry on right emerges between ‘the two Marks’ MORE told Francis, eyes welling up as the pope returned the sentiment. 
 
 The Speaker told Francis he wore a green tie for the event at the urging of his staff. Through an interpreter, the pope replied, “It’s a tie with the color of hope.” 
 
 “I need a lot of hope today,” Boehner replied. 
 
 Francis strode to the dais in the House without stopping to greet individual lawmakers, though he did stop to shake the hand of Secretary of State John Kerry John Forbes KerryBrent Budowsky: Trump debases the nation Time to put Hillary to bed Susan Rice responds to praise of Trump's Iran deal speech: 'BS' MORE. Lawmakers had been advised before the speech that the pope must initiate all handshakes. 
 
 The Vatican kept a remarkably tight lid on the contents of Francis’s address despite the anticipation leading up to the event. Some Republican lawmakers had hoped Francis would mention abortion as Congress debates defunding Planned Parenthood while trying to avoid a government shutdown next week. 
 
 Before arriving in the United States, Francis told reporters it is a mistake to view him as “leftish.” Yet two issues where the Republican Party is in step with the Vatican — opposition to abortion rights and same-sex marriage — received only a passing mention from Francis. 
 
 “The golden rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development,” Francis said, reiterating the Catholic Church’s opposition to the death penalty. 
 
 Referring obliquely to same-sex marriage, the pope also said he cannot “hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without. 
 
 “Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family. I can only reiterate the importance and, above all, the richness and the beauty of family life.” 
 
 Francis, who played an important role in reestablishing ties between the U.S. and Cuba, made no direct reference to the normalized relations between the two countries. His address came two days after he visited Cuba, before his trip to the U.S., which includes stops in New York City and Philadelphia. 
 
 And while the Vatican had offered an endorsement of the Iran nuclear deal earlier this month, Francis did not make a pointed reference to that controversial accord. 
 
 “I would like to recognize the efforts made in recent months to help overcome historic differences linked to painful episodes of the past. It is my duty to build bridges and to help all men and women, in any way possible, to do the same,” he said. 
 
 The pope's sharpest rhetoric was aimed at military-industrial complexes across the world that he argued are using war for profit. 
 
 “Here we have to ask ourselves: Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? 
 
 “In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade,” he said. 
 
 Francis did not use one particularly sharp line in his prepared remarks, which had warned politics cannot be a "slave to the economy and finance.” 
 
 Throughout his address Francis referred back to the “fundamental values which will endure forever in the spirit of the American people.” 
 
 “Politics is ... an expression of our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one the greatest common good: That of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share, in justice and peace, its goods, its interests, its social life. 
 
 “I do not underestimate the difficulty that this involves,” he added, “but I encourage you in this effort.” 
 
 After the speech, Francis ascended a platform to address the crowd gathered on the Capitol's West lawn, with Boehner and Vice President Biden at his side. 
 
 "I'm so grateful for your presence here. ... And I ask you all please, to pray for me, and if there are among you any who do not believe, or cannot pray, I ask you please to send good wishes my way." 
 
 
 
 "Thank you very much, and God bless America." 
 
 As he turned to depart, Biden was heard on a microphone telling Francis: "They love you, and we love you." 
 
 — This story was last updated at 5:20 p.m. Jordain Carney contributed. ||||| WASHINGTON (AP) — Latest developments in Pope Francis' visit to the United States. All times local: 
 
 Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, making history as the first pontiff to do so. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) (Associated Press) 
 
 Pope Francis is applauded as he arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, to address a joint meeting of Congress, making history as the first pontiff to do so. (AP Photo/Carolyn... (Associated Press) 
 
 Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, making history as the first pontiff to do so. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) (Associated Press) 
 
 Pope Francis smiles as he walks into the House chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, before addressing a joint meeting of Congress. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (Associated Press) 
 
 Pope Francis arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, to address a joint meeting of Congress. (Michael Reynolds/Pool Photo via AP) (Associated Press) 
 
 Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, making history as the first pontiff to do so. Listening behind the pope are Vice President Joe... (Associated Press) 
 
 11:20 a.m. 
 
 From the balcony of the U.S. Capitol, Pope Francis asked a crowd of tens of thousands to pray for him. 
 
 It's a plea he traditionally makes. But this time, speaking in Spanish, he added a line to acknowledge that not everyone in the crowd was Christian, much less a believer. 
 
 Through a translator, the pontiff said: "If among you there are some who don't believe or who cannot pray, I ask that you send good wishes my way." 
 
 After his speech to Congress, the pope walked onto a balcony of the Capitol and greeted the throngs with "Buenos Dias." 
 
 He expressed gratitude for their presence and asked God to bless "the most important ones here — children." 
 
 Francis ended his remarks in English, saying "Thank you very much and God bless America." The crowd cheered boisterously. 
 
 ___ 
 
 11:10 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis has taken his call for action on climate change to Congress. In his address to lawmakers, Francis urged a "courageous and responsible effort" to avert the most serious effects of what he called the "environmental deterioration caused by human activity." 
 
 Francis says he's convinced that working together, nations can make a difference to slow global warming. He says the U.S. and "this Congress" have an important role to play. Now, he says, is the time for a "culture of care." 
 
 ___ 
 
 11 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis is lamenting that the very basis of marriage and family life today is being put into question — an allusion to gay marriage in a country that recently legalized same-sex marriage across the land. 
 
 Speaking before Congress in the first-ever papal address, Francis said the family today is "threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without." 
 
 While Francis has shown great openness to gays as individuals, he has staunchly upheld the church teaching that marriage is a union between man and woman. 
 
 Sitting in front of Francis for his speech was John Roberts, chief justice of the Supreme Court, which legalized gay marriage across the country. 
 
 Francis is expected to speak in greater depth about the threats to families at a big church rally in Philadelphia later this week. 
 
 ___ 
 
 11 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis is demanding an end to the arms trade, delivering a tough message to a country that is the world's largest exporter of weapons. 
 
 Speaking before Congress, the pope asked why weapons are being sold to people who intend only to inflict suffering on innocents. He said: "Sadly, the answer as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood." 
 
 Francis has in the past denounced weapons makers and dealers as "the root of evil" and questioned how weapons manufacturers can call themselves Christian. 
 
 Francis has, however, said that it is legitimate to use military force against an "unjust aggression," such as the attacks by Islamic extremists against Christian and other religious minorities in Syria and Iraq. 
 
 ___ 
 
 10:50 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis has used his speech to Congress to express sympathy for American Indians for their "turbulent and violent" early contacts with arriving Europeans. But he says it is hard to judge past actions by today's standards. 
 
 Francis did not specifically use the term American Indians. He said the rights of "those who were here long before us" were not always respected. 
 
 He says that "for those people and their nations," he wants to express his highest esteem and appreciation. 
 
 Francis has been criticized by some Native Americans for his decision to canonize an 18th century missionary, Junipero Serra, on Wednesday. Indigenous groups say Serra was part of the violent colonizing machine that wiped out indigenous populations. Francis has defended Serra as a great evengelizer who protected indigenous peoples from the abuses of colonizers. 
 
 ___ 
 
 10:35 a.m. 
 
 Speaking to Congress, Pope Francis is calling for an end to the death penalty in the U.S. and across the world. 
 
 Francis says that every life is sacred and society can only benefit from rehabilitating those convicted of crimes. 
 
 The pope noted that U.S. bishops have renewed their call to abolish capital punishment. That idea is unpopular, however, with many American politicians. 
 
 The pontiff did not specifically mention abortion — a particularly contentious issue in Congress at the moment that threatens to force the shutdown of the U.S. government next week. 
 
 Still, his remarks referred to the Catholic church's opposition to abortion. He urged lawmakers and all Americans to "protect and defend human life at every stage of its development." 
 
 ___ 
 
 10:30 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis is urging Congress members — and the United States as a whole — not to be afraid of immigrants but to welcome them as fellow human beings. 
 
 He says people are not things that can be discarded just because they are troublesome. 
 
 The pontiff's admonition comes as the presidential race is roiled by questions about immigration from Mexico and Latin America, and the nation is weighing how many migrants to accept from wars in the Middle East. 
 
 The son of Italian immigrants to Argentina himself, Francis noted that the United States was founded by immigrants, that many lawmakers are descended from foreigners, and that this generation must not "turn their back on our neighbors." 
 
 His plea: "Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated." 
 
 ___ 
 
 10:15 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis is calling for a "delicate balance" in fighting religious extremism to ensure that fundamental freedoms aren't trampled at the same time. 
 
 He says in his speech to Congress that "no religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism." 
 
 He says religious, intellectual and individual freedoms must be safeguarded, while combatting violence perpetrated in the name of religion. 
 
 The pope cautions against simplistically breaking the world into camps of good and evil. 
 
 Francis has expressed deep concern about the slaughter of Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East at the hands of Islamic extremists, fearing that the Christian presence in the region is risk. He's dispatched envoys to Iraq with money and other forms of assistance to help refugees. 
 
 ___ 
 
 10:05 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis has opened his historic speech to Congress by describing himself as a "son of this great continent" joined in a common purpose with America. 
 
 The Argentine-born pope is the first from the Americas. And his speech to Congress is the first by any pontiff. 
 
 A bipartisan group of congressional leaders escorted him up the aisle for his speech in the House chamber, as tens of thousands waited outside. 
 
 ___ 
 
 10:05 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis has arrived in the House chamber for his speech to Congress. 
 
 The pontiff walked up the aisle to thunderous applause from standing lawmakers, and paused to shake the hand of Secretary of State John Kerry. 
 
 House Speaker John Boehner told lawmakers he had the "high privilege and distinct honor" of presenting the pope. 
 
 ___ 
 
 9:30 a.m. 
 
 With a handshake and a smile, House Speaker John Boehner has welcomed Pope Francis to his ornate ceremonial office in the Capitol prior to the first papal address to Congress in history. 
 
 The Ohio Republican told Francis, "Your Holiness, welcome, really glad that you're here." 
 
 Boehner's eyes moistened as the pope told him he was glad to be there, too. 
 
 The two men then sat next to each other, accompanied by Vatican and church officials and Boehner aides. 
 
 Boehner told the pontiff that his staff had urged him to wear the green tie he was sporting. That drew a compliment from Francis, delivered through an interpreter. 
 
 The interpreter told Boehner, "He says it's a tie with the color of hope." 
 
 Before the pope's arrival, Boehner told those waiting with him that the pope's visit was "a big deal" for him, as a Catholic. 
 
 ___ 
 
 9:20 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis met briefly with House Speaker John Boehner in an opening act of his historic visit to Congress. 
 
 Awaiting the pope's arrival, Boehner repeatedly straightened his tie and shifted from foot to foot, and joked and chatted with reporters about the history of the House furnishings. Their visit lasted only a few minutes. Tens of thousands wait outside, with lawmakers and guests seated in the House chamber for the first speech by a pope to Congress. 
 
 ___ 
 
 8:50 a.m. 
 
 The pope greeted well-wishers outside the Vatican's diplomatic mission on his way to his historic visit to Congress. 
 
 As he did Wednesday, Francis lingered with the excited crowd outside the mission, on another sunny day. Tens of thousands await him on Capitol Hill. 
 
 The pope shook hands and touched the faces of schoolchildren, dressed up in ties or Sunday dresses. As the pope moved past, one young boy shouted, "Oh yeah! I got a selfie." 
 
 After his speech to Congress, Francis is expected to go to the Hall of Statues, where there is a statue of America's newest saint, Junipero Serra, whom Francis canonized on Wednesday. 
 
 Joined by House Speaker John Boehner, he'll then offer to the Library of Congress a special edition of the Bible. Then he's to go to a balcony to greet and offer a benediction to the throngs below. 
 
 ___ 
 
 8:30 a.m. 
 
 The Federal Aviation Administration is reminding people that Washington, New York and Philadelphia are no-drone zones during the pope's visit to the U.S. 
 
 The FAA has put in flight restrictions through Sunday. That means flying a drone or unmanned aircraft anywhere in those cities is against the law and may result in criminal or civil charges. 
 
 Pope Francis leaves Washington on Thursday for New York and goes to Philadelphia on Saturday. 
 
 ___ 
 
 8:20 a.m. 
 
 House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi is bringing Tom Steyer, who's a California-based environmentalist and top Democratic donor, and Marc Benioff, a business software CEO, to the House gallery for the pope's speech. 
 
 Among other guests, she's also invited Mary Kay Henry, international president of the Service Employees International Union, and Matilda Cuomo, mother of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and widow of former Gov. Mario Cuomo. 
 
 ___ 
 
 8:15 a.m. 
 
 Security is tight at the Capitol as crowds gather for Pope Francis' arrival. 
 
 Streets are closed within a three-block radius of the Capitol and police advise visitors to avoid driving to the scene. The city's subway was packed with riders hours before his speech to Congress but few delays were reported. 
 
 Police are visible throughout the Capitol complex and visitors are encountering a series of security checkpoints. 
 
 ___ 
 
 8:10 a.m. 
 
 "Mr. Speaker, the pope of the Holy See!" 
 
 Those booming words will announce Pope Francis as he arrives for his historic speech as the first pontiff to address a joint session of Congress. 
 
 The man who will perform the ceremonial call is more accustomed to protecting famous people than introducing them. 
 
 Paul Irving spent his career in the Secret Service. He was a special agent for 25 years and the service's assistant director from 2001 to 2008. 
 
 Speaker John Boehner chose him as House sergeant-at-arms in 2012. 
 
 When he's not introducing dignitaries before Congress, his main duty is to oversee security in the House side of the Capitol. 
 
 ___ 
 
 8:05 a.m. 
 
 Tens of thousands already are gathering on the front lawn of the Capitol to watch the pope's speech on Jumbotron screens and maybe catch a glimpse of Francis. He is expected to wave from a balcony a few hundred yards away. 
 
 Libby Miller of Frederick, Maryland, says her friends all told her she was crazy for schlepping to Capitol Hill with her 4-year-old son, Camden, and 2-year-old daughter, Avery. 
 
 She left the house before 5 a.m. and settled into a spot on the lawn by 7:30 a.m., about two hours before the pope's scheduled arrival. And she was prepared to keep her kids occupied — iPad loaded with games, toy trucks, snacks and a sippy cup. 
 
 Miller says she wants her kids to be there for an important moment in history. They won't understand it now, but she says "they'll get it eventually." 
 
 ___ 
 
 7:45 a.m. 
 
 Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is marking Pope Francis' visit to the Capitol in the modern way: on YouTube. 
 
 The Kentucky Republican says in a video Thursday morning that Francis' elevation to pope "heralded a new beginning for Catholics in Kentucky, across America and from every corner of the world." 
 
 McConnell praises the pope's "unique and engaging style" and says Americans have watched the pope reach new and different audiences, "both from within his flock and far beyond it." 
 
 ___ 
 
 7:30 a.m. 
 
 Joint gatherings of Congress for dignitaries' speeches are usually a recipe for competing partisan ovations and chummy backslaps and handshakes. 
 
 This time, House and Senate leaders have asked lawmakers: Please, not when the pope is here. 
 
 The leaders sent an appeal to lawmakers in advance of Pope Francis' speech Thursday morning, asking them to act with decorum in his presence. Among the no-no's — reaching out for handshakes or conversation with the pope and those accompanying him as they walk down the center aisle of the grand House chamber. 
 
 To drum the lesson in, the leaders' letter reminded legislators that the historic event will be seen on television "around the whole world and by many of our constituents." 
 
 Leaders have made similar appeals for State of the Union addresses, with little luck. 
 
 ___ 
 
 7 a.m. 
 
 With his speech Thursday morning, Francis will become the first pope to address Congress. But the list of foreign leaders and dignitaries who've done so is long. 
 
 The House historian's office says it's happened 117 previous times. 
 
 Francis won't be the first religious leader to address the House and Senate. Technically that was Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, since the British monarch heads the Anglican Church. 
 
 The most addresses to Congress? Three, by both British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 
 
 The historian's office lists the first such speech in 1874. That's when Congress heard King Kalakaua of Hawaii, still an independent kingdom then. 
 
 The first speech by a foreign leader to lawmakers was in 1824 by the Marquis de Lafayette, the French general who helped the colonies win independence. But he addressed only the House. 
 
 ___ 
 
 6:45 a.m. 
 
 Francis' speech to Congress is a personal and political coup for House Speaker John Boehner, an Ohio Republican and Catholic. 
 
 Boehner unsuccessfully invited the two previous popes, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, to speak. He began trying in 1994 during his second House term, organizing a petition by lawmakers saying John Paul II was a "world leader, ambassador of peace and an important catalyst in the fall of the Iron Curtain." 
 
 Francis is the fourth pope to meet with a president in the U.S., including presidential visits on six separate trips by John Paul II. 
 
 The first was Paul VI's 1965 New York meeting with President Lyndon Johnson. Benedict XVI met President George W. Bush in 2008. 
 
 Francis' coming speech at the United Nations will be the fifth by a pope. 
 
 ___ ||||| CLOSE Pope Francis urged Congress to treat refugees not as number, but as people, during his address to a joint session. VPC 
 
 Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Sept. 24, 2015, from the House chamber. (Photo: Andrew P. Scott, USA TODAY) 
 
 WASHINGTON — In the first-ever papal address to a joint meeting of Congress, Pope Francis called on Americans Thursday to embrace immigrants from Latin America and around the world. 
 
 “Our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the second World War,” the pope said, including "thousands of persons (who) are led to travel north in search of a better life. 
 
 “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," Francis said in a 45-minute speech. "To respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal. We need to avoid a common temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves troublesome." 
 
 Speaking slowly in English before a packed House chamber including the assembled members of Congress and hundreds of dignitaries and reporters, the Argentine pope said, "We, the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us once were foreigners." 
 
 The pope's immigration plea comes in the middle of a fierce debate in American politics about illegal immigration, fueled in part by Donald Trump's strong campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. Trump launched his campaign with a tirade against Mexico for sending "rapists" across the border and has promised that if elected he will build an impenetrable fence across the U.S./Mexican border. 
 
 Conservatives in Congress are looking for ways to use federal spending bills to block President Obama's executive orders granting work permits and temporary legal status to some undocumented immigrants. 
 
 A host of Republican presidential candidates attended the speech, including Sens. Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham and, in the visitors' gallery, Ben Carson and Chris Christie. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Democratic presidential candidate, was on the floor. 
 
 As he did Wednesday at his appearance with Obama, the pope called for action to combat climate change. Quoting from his encyclical in May on the environment, Francis told Congress, "I call for a courageous and responsible effort to 'redirect our steps' and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity. I am convinced that we can make a difference, and I have no doubt that the United States — and this Congress — have an important role to play." 
 
 Republicans have raised strong objections to Obama's plan to cut carbon emissions from power plants, arguing that it will damage the economy without making any meaningful improvement in the environment. 
 
 As House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Vice President Biden, both Catholics, sat behind him, the pope provided some points that would satisfy conservatives. He said the Golden Rule "reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development," then he pivoted immediately to a call for abolition of the death penalty, not a discourse on abortion. 
 
 He warned against the erosion of the family. "I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without," Francis said. "Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family. I can only reiterate the importance and, above all, the richness and the beauty of family life." 
 
 The pope did not make any specific appeal on the topic of marriage and cautioned against fundamentalism. "We must be especially attentive to every type of fundamentalism, whether religious or of any other kind. A delicate balance is required to combat violence perpetrated in the name of a religion, an ideology or an economic system, while also safeguarding religious freedom, intellectual freedom and individual freedoms. But there is another temptation which we must especially guard against: the simplistic reductionism which sees only good or evil or, if you will, the righteous and sinners." 
 
 After the speech, the pope made a brief stop in the halls of the Capitol to bless the 2-week-old daughter of one of Boehner's staff members. 
 
 He then stepped onto a balcony of the Capitol and gave a brief blessing to a huge crowd gathered on the lawn who had heard the speech via video. Speaking in Spanish, the pope asked the crowd to pray for him and invited non-believers to "send good wishes my way." Boehner, who said he'd dreamed of meeting a pope for two decades, stood beside Francis and pulled a handkerchief from his jacket pocket to wipe away his tears. 
 
 During the speech before Congress, lawmakers largely avoided the partisan ovations — one side standing, the other clapping politely or sitting on their hands — that frequently mark presidential State of the Union addresses. For the pope, when one side stood, the other generally rose as well. Republican were first to their feet when the pope raised concerns about the family; Democrats were first when he raised climate change. 
 
 Lawmakers were not reading text of the speech and did not appear primed for what the pope was going to say. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y., let out a whoop heard throughout the chamber when the pope said the death penalty should be abolished. 
 
 A beacon of righteousness and dignity, @Pontifex has been a steadfast voice for the virtue of life, marriage, and religious liberty. — Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) September 24, 2015 
 
 Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., sitting next to Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., brightened when Francis mentioned the Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march 50 years ago. Sewell, who is from Selma, and Lewis, one of the African-American marchers beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge at the start of the march, nodded and smiled. As the pope lauded Martin Luther King Jr.’s “dream of full civil and political rights for African Americans,” Sewell and others patted Lewis on the back, and Lewis put his hand over his heart. 
 
 “That dream continues to inspire us all,” Pope Francis said. 
 
 It was the first standing ovation of the speech, led by Lewis. 
 
 Outside the Capitol, Todd Gaddis, 56, a Baptist minister from LaFayette, Ga., said he respects the pope very much but was a little disappointed in the speech. “I would have liked to see him spend more time with his focus on the eternal as opposed to the temporal. As one of the world’s most visible ministers, I’d like to have heard the name of Jesus a few more times quite frankly,” he said after he watched the speech on video. “That said, I’m on the Capitol steps, not in the church.” 
 
 Melinda Peter, 39, traveled with her 6-year-old daughter from 8 miles above the Arctic Circle to hold up a sign on the Capitol lawn proclaiming "Alaskan natives (heart) Pope Francis." 
 
 "We're Episcopal, but we like this pope because we know he's for indigenous people," she said. 
 
 After the speech, Congress turned to a debate over a looming government shutdown, creating an immediate opportunity to begin quoting the pope in political argument. 
 
 Agree with @Pontifex: Political leaders should act for common good, not “take up space.” Let’s get to work and keep the government open. — Sen. Barbara Boxer (@SenatorBoxer) September 24, 2015 
 
 Contributing: Mary Troyan, Deirdre Shegreen, Ledyard King, Maureen Groppe, Bill Theobald 
 
 Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1KwNsHg ||||| NEW YORK (AP) — Latest developments in Pope Francis' visit to the United States. All times local: 
 
 Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he arrives at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, in New York. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, left, and Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY, wait to greet the pope.... (Associated Press) 
 
 Pope Francis touches the cheek of a young girl as he prepares to depart the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, en route to Andrews Air Force... (Associated Press) 
 
 Pope Francis greets school children as he departs the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission in the heart of Washington, en route Andrews Air Force Base, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015. (AP... (Associated Press) 
 
 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his girlfriend Sandra Lee attend an evening prayer service lead by Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, in New York. (Aristide Economopoulos... (Associated Press) 
 
 Pope Francis reaches out to 5th grader Omodele Ojo, of the Brooklyn borough of New York, as he is greeted while arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, in New York.... (Associated Press) 
 
 Pope Francis, center, waves to a crowd along with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, left, as he rides down Fifth Avenue in the pope mobile on his way to St. Patrick's Cathedral to lead an evening prayer service,... (Associated Press) 
 
 Faithful cheer as Pope Francis enters St. Patrick's Cathedral to lead an evening prayer service Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) (Associated Press) 
 
 Pope Francis and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, right, embrace during an evening prayer service at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, in New York. (Robert Deutsch/USA Today via AP, Pool) (Associated Press) 
 
 Pope Francis, accompanied by, from left, Vice President Joe Biden, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Calif., and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio,... (Associated Press) 
 
 Pope Francis is greeted by New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio, right, Sen. Charles Schumer, center, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo as he arrives at St. Patrick's Cathedral to lead an evening prayer service,... (Associated Press) 
 
 U.S. Presidential Candidate Donald Trump greets the crowd gathered in front of the Trump Tower ahead of the arrival of the pope's motorcade Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen) (Associated Press) 
 
 11 p.m. 
 
 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (KWOH'-moh) and his longtime partner, celebrity chef Sandra Lee, had a few moments with the pope after the prayer service at St. Patrick's Cathedral. 
 
 An aide to the governor says Pope Francis bestowed a blessing on Lee, who recently announced she is cancer free after a double mastectomy. 
 
 The aide says Cuomo also asked the pope to pray for his late father, former Gov. Mario Cuomo. 
 
 ___ 
 
 10:20 p.m. 
 
 The Vatican spokesman has denied claims by advocates for victims that the pope has given short shrift to their suffering in his remarks on the clergy sex-abuse crisis. 
 
 The Rev. Federico Lombardi says Pope Francis has acknowledged victims by referring to children as the most vulnerable members of the church and speaking of child molestation as a crime. 
 
 Lombardi also noted Thursday that the pope has three more days of public events in the U.S., suggesting that further comments are ahead. 
 
 In two separate speeches, the pope has commended U.S. bishops for their response to victims and said he understood clergy had "suffered greatly" because of the shame from the scandal. 
 
 The crisis erupted in 2002 in the Archdiocese of Boston, then spread across the country and overseas. 
 
 ___ 
 
 9:50 p.m. 
 
 Nuns who heard Pope Francis' strong message of support and thanks for their work are exuberant about his praise, which comes after a trying time for U.S. religious sisters. 
 
 Sister Gertrude Lily of the Franciscan Handmaids of the Most Pure Heart of Mary says she's "very grateful for him recognizing that we, too, are disciples of the Lord." 
 
 Speaking at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Francis described nuns as "women of strength" and "fighters" who had a "spirit of courage" as they served at the forefront of the church. 
 
 His words held enormous significance for U.S. sisters. They had been the subject of Vatican investigations under his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. The Vatican offices that guard orthodoxy had accused the group of straying broadly from church teaching. The nuns denied it. 
 
 Sister Mary Alice Kizita Otoo of the Handmaids of the Divine Redeemer of Accra also was at St. Patrick's to hear the pope speak. She says nuns appreciate that the pope is talking about their good works, and he has inspired her "to yearn to be there more for the poor." 
 
 ___ 
 
 9:20 p.m. 
 
 The priest who gave Pope Francis a blessing before the first-ever papal address to Congress had no expectation he would even be asked. 
 
 That's according to the Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi. He says the Rev. Patrick Conroy was excited just to meet the pope and didn't anticipate that Francis would ask him for his blessing. 
 
 Conroy is the Catholic chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives. He placed his hands on Francis' head, which was bowed in prayer. 
 
 Francis often asks other clergy to bless him and constantly asks the faithful to pray for him. 
 
 ___ 
 
 9:10 p.m. 
 
 While Pope Francis' remarks at a prayer service at St. Patrick's Cathedral were reflections on the life of the church, plenty of those involved in the workings of the state were on hand for his first stop in New York City. 
 
 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio (dih BLAH'-zee-oh), and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (SHOO'-mur) were among them. 
 
 Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump wasn't at the service but watched from a balcony in nearby Trump Tower as the pontiff's motorcade drove by. 
 
 ___ 
 
 8:30 p.m. 
 
 Pope Francis has left St. Patrick's Cathedral after consoling priests for having to "bear the shame" of the clergy sex-abuse scandal, thanking America's nuns and offering a prayer for Muslims killed in the hajj stampede in Saudi Arabia. 
 
 The pope's remarks — his first in New York City — came during evening prayers at the cathedral. 
 
 The pontiff gradually made his way out, shaking hands with nuns and others, blessing a girl and a boy who was passed through the crowd by his father. Then he got in his Fiat, waved to the crowds still gathered outside and drove off. 
 
 As Francis rests ahead of a packed day, he's expected to stay at the home of the Vatican's ambassador to the United Nations, Archbishop Bernardito Auza. 
 
 The pope's schedule Friday includes addressing world leaders at the United Nations, participating in an interfaith service at the Sept. 11 memorial museum, visiting a school and taking a processional drive through Central Park. He will celebrate Mass at Madison Square Garden. 
 
 ___ 
 
 7:45 p.m. 
 
 Pope Francis has made his strongest expression yet of respect and gratitude for American nuns during a prayer service at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. 
 
 Francis described religious sisters as "women of strength" and "fighters" who had a "spirit of courage" as they served at the forefront of the church. He said he wanted to offer "a big thank-you and to tell you that I love you very much." 
 
 Nuns in the pews erupted in applause on hearing the pope's words. They held enormous significance for U.S. sisters, who had been the subject of Vatican investigations under his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. 
 
 The Vatican offices that guards orthodoxy had ordered an overhaul of the largest umbrella group for U.S. sisters, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, accusing the group of straying broadly from church teaching, which the nuns denied. 
 
 The investigation prompted a nationwide outpouring on behalf of the nuns and a backlash against the Vatican and U.S. bishops. Francis ended the overhaul process this year, nearly two years ahead of schedule, with no major changes for the sisters' association and his thanks for their work. 
 
 The remarks were his second major gesture in support of nuns on the U.S. trip so far. In Washington on Wednesday, he paid a surprise visit to the Little Sisters of the Poor, a religious order that runs homes for poor senior citizens. The religious order is suing the Obama administration. 
 
 ___ 
 
 7:40 p.m. 
 
 The pope has again raised the clergy sex-abuse crisis, by consoling clergy for the suffering the scandal had caused them. 
 
 Francis told members of religious orders and diocesan priests he was aware they had "suffered greatly" by having to "bear the shame" of clergy who had molested children. He thanked them for their faithful service to the church in the face of the scandal. 
 
 The pope made the comments at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. He made similar comments in an address to bishops Wednesday in Washington. 
 
 The comments have angered advocates for victims, who say American bishops only took decisive action to stop perpetrators when lawsuits and government investigations revealed documents that showed the scope of the problem. The abuse crisis erupted in 2002 with the case of one pedophile priest in the Archdiocese of Boston, then spread. 
 
 A Vatican spokesman defended the pope's remarks, saying it was appropriate to recognize the bishops' extensive reforms over more than a decade in response to the scandal. 
 
 ___ 
 
 7:20 p.m. 
 
 Pope Francis has expressed his solidarity with Muslims following the hajj stampede in Saudi Arabia, where more than 700 people were killed. 
 
 Francis opened his visit to New York by offering a prayer for the victims from the altar of St. Patrick's Cathedral. 
 
 Francis said he wanted to offer a "sentiment of closeness in light of the tragedy" that the Muslim people had suffered on Thursday. 
 
 ___ 
 
 7:15 p.m. 
 
 Pope Francis is praying vespers — the formal term for evening prayers — at New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral. 
 
 Members of the clergy and religious orders have filled the grand, gothic-style cathedral for the service. 
 
 As Francis made his way down the long central aisle to the altar, he occasionally stopped to greet people in the pews, including a a girl in a wheelchair and a mother holding a baby. 
 
 The girl wiped at her eyes, as if to whisk away tears, after he blessed her. 
 
 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and other elected officials are attending the service. 
 
 ___ 
 
 6:50 p.m. 
 
 Pope Francis has arrived at St. Patrick's Cathedral to begin his New York visit with evening prayers at one of the nation's best-known churches. 
 
 Thousands of people lined up along Fifth Avenue to greet him with cheers as he made his way in his open-sided popemobile to the center of one of the nation's largest Roman Catholic archdioceses. 
 
 The cathedral's bells pealed as Francis waved to and blessed the crowd, even giving the occasional thumbs-up. 
 
 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and other dignitaries greeted him on the cathedral steps. 
 
 The 136-year-old cathedral just underwent a three-year, $175 million restoration, the most extensive work there in decades. 
 
 About 5 million people visit St. Patrick's each year. 
 
 ___ 
 
 6:25 p.m. 
 
 A disabled 12-year-old girl and her family say she has new hope after Pope Francis blessed her as he arrived in New York City. 
 
 Julia Buzzese (boo-SAY'-zee) sat in her wheelchair as her family eagerly waited for Francis at John F. Kennedy Airport, hoping the pope they admire would bless her. 
 
 As he greeted the crowd of about 200, he walked over to Julia. She and her mother, Josephine, asked him to bless her. He put his hands on her forehead, nodded and gave her his blessing. 
 
 Julia says it made her "so happy." She says she thinks it will make her feel better. 
 
 Julia abruptly became unable to walk in May. Her mother says doctors have been unable to determine what is wrong with her. 
 
 ___ 
 
 6:05 p.m. 
 
 Pope Francis has arrived in Manhattan by helicopter and hopped into a Fiat hatchback, traveling in the same modest style as he did in Washington. 
 
 The military helicopter touched down at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport near Wall Street after a short flight from John F. Kennedy Airport. He landed there after flying in from Washington. 
 
 Francis is headed to St. Patrick's Cathedral for evening prayers in a charcoal gray, four-door Fiat 500L with a yellow papal flag on the hood. 
 
 The pope has eschewed limousines on his U.S. trip in favor of far smaller, Italian-made Fiats. 
 
 In general, he has made a point of traveling in modest cars, as part of his emphasis on simplicity and rejecting consumerism. 
 
 ___ 
 
 5:45 p.m. 
 
 Pope Francis is en route to Manhattan by helicopter after arriving at New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport. 
 
 As he boarded the military helicopter, he gave a final wave to the invited crowd of 200 that had gathered to greet him when he flew in from Washington. 
 
 The pope dispensed Mass cards, handshakes and some hugs to the cheering onlookers. 
 
 Francis is flying to the Downtown Manhattan Heliport near Wall Street in the helicopter, built by Sikorsky Aircraft. 
 
 Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York is aboard. The two are headed to St. Patrick's Cathedral for evening prayers. 
 
 ___ 
 
 5:35 p.m. 
 
 A crowd of 200 people is cheering and waving hand-held Vatican flags as a smiling Pope Francis arrives at New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport. 
 
 Francis doffed his skullcap in the breeze as he made his way down the plane's stairs after flying in from Washington. 
 
 Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York gave Francis a hug and a kiss as the pope stepped onto the tarmac, and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzo of Brooklyn greeted him with a warm handshake. 
 
 A high-school band played "New York, New York" as Francis made his way to the crowd, where Catholic schoolchildren were waiting to present him with a bouquet and a collection of prayers written by students in the city's 86 Catholic schools. 
 
 He's handing out Mass cards, giving hugs and speaking with onlookers as people take cellphone photos. 
 
 ___ 
 
 5:10 p.m. 
 
 Pope Francis has landed in New York City to begin a visit that will take him from the United Nations to a school that sits amid public housing in East Harlem. 
 
 His chartered American Airlines plane has touched down at John F. Kennedy Airport, bringing the pontiff to the United States' largest city. 
 
 The 200-person welcoming party includes Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and five Catholic schoolchildren. It's the first papal trip to New York since Pope Benedict XVI visited in April 2008. 
 
 Francis is headed first to St. Patrick's Cathedral for Thursday evening prayers. 
 
 Earlier Thursday, he gave the first-ever papal speech to the U.S. Congress, urging lawmakers to treat immigrants "in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal." 
 
 ___ 
 
 4:55 p.m. 
 
 Pope Francis is on his way to New York City, and about 200 people have gathered to welcome him at the airport. 
 
 Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, five Catholic schoolchildren and other guests gathered at John F. Kennedy Airport as snipers stood atop police vehicles. Law enforcement officers also are doing security sweeps of arriving planes. 
 
 Brooklyn Diocese spokeswoman Rocio Fidalgo says the five students were chosen based on their academic performance and attendance at Mass. 
 
 Francis is headed to the United States' biggest city after three days in Washington. He gave the first-ever papal speech to the U.S. Congress on Thursday morning, urging lawmakers to treat immigrants "in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal." 
 
 It's the first papal trip to New York since Pope Benedict XVI visited in April 2008. 
 
 ___ 
 
 4:45 p.m. 
 
 Some 450 students from Catholic schools and religious education programs joined Secretary of State John Kerry and hundreds of military members and their families in giving Pope Francis a warm send-off from Washington. 
 
 The pope is now on his way to New York. As he neared the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base, the students chanted: "We love Francis, yes we do. We love Francis, how 'bout you?" 
 
 The pope spoke with Kerry and his wife for about five minutes before walking up the stairs to his plane, turning to the crowd and waving goodbye. 
 
 The Secret Service and some journalists stuck around after Francis' plane left. They are awaiting Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival less than an hour later for two days of meetings in Washington. 
 
 ___ 
 
 3:40 p.m. 
 
 After a day of speaking to the powerful and mingling with the poor in Washington, Pope Francis is leaving the city for New York. 
 
 Francis made a last round of greetings and selfies with Washington-area students, pausing to pat a little girl's face and touch boys' heads as he made his way to the black Fiat carrying him to Andrews Air Force Base. 
 
 He will fly to Kennedy Airport, where his greeting party includes Cardinal Timothy Dolan and 200 indigent people. 
 
 Francis' plans Thursday evening include a motorcade along Fifth Avenue and a vespers service at St. Patrick's Cathedral. 
 
 He speaks to the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, visits the 9/11 Memorial and goes to Madison Square Garden for a Mass with thousands of people. 
 
 Then it's on to Philadelphia for the weekend. 
 
 ___ 
 
 2:15 p.m. 
 
 In his Washington visit, Pope Francis delivered his message of compassion and unity at a moment of particular turmoil for Congress. 
 
 The threat of a partial government shutdown looms next week unless lawmakers can resolve a dispute over funding for women's health services at Planned Parenthood, which also performs abortions and provides fetal tissue for researchers. 
 
 Francis didn't join that controversy, alluding only in passing to the Catholic Church's opposition to abortion when he noted, to applause, "our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development." 
 
 He was more direct in speaking out to the lawmakers about other issues they wrestle with, such as the death penalty, climate change and immigration. 
 
 He reminded the representatives and senators that they have been called to work that "is always based on care for the people." 
 
 ___ 
 
 1:50 p.m. 
 
 A number of presidential candidates took time from the divisive 2016 campaign to attend the pope's speech to Congress. 
 
 Republicans Ben Carson and Chris Christie came as invited guests. Also attending, senators who are in the 2016 race: Republicans Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul and Lindsey Graham; and Democrat Bernie Sanders. 
 
 Some found the pope's words hard to make out at times because of his accent and low-key speaking style. 
 
 Carson says he liked the pope's themes about taking care of life, the family and the environment. Asked whether the pope said anything that bothered him, Carson said: "Not that I could understand." 
 
 Cruz said that "at times, not everyone could make out precisely what he was saying." 
 
 Sanders liked that the pope singled out Dorothy Day, a Catholic activist for labor unions and human rights in the last century, as an American who helped shape the nation's values. 
 
 ___ 
 
 1:40 p.m. 
 
 The White House says President Barack Obama had time to watch some of Pope Francis' historic address to Congress. 
 
 Spokesman Josh Earnest says Obama was struck by the pope's message both to leaders and citizens of the U.S. 
 
 In the first-ever papal address to a joint meeting of Congress, Francis urged lawmakers to embrace the immigrant "stranger in our midst," called for action to counter climate change and urged an end to the death penalty. 
 
 ___ 
 
 1:30 p.m. 
 
 Pope Francis didn't get a Supreme Court majority. 
 
 Four of the nine justices — Chief Justice John Roberts and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony Kennedy and Sonia Sotomayor — were in the House chamber to hear the pope. 
 
 Roberts, Kennedy and Sotomayor are three of the court's six Catholic justices. They also attended Wednesday's mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. 
 
 The other Catholic justices are Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. 
 
 Ginsburg is one of three Jews on the high court, along with Justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan. 
 
 ___ 
 
 1 p.m. 
 
 Lawmakers known for feuding bitterly oozed civility and decorum when they came together to hear the pope — but their partisan differences occasionally showed through. 
 
 Rep. Nydia Velazquez, a New York Democrat, let out a whoop when Pope Francis called for abolishing the death penalty. 
 
 Other Democrats rose to applaud when the pope urged action on climate change. 
 
 Some Republicans, including South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, stood when the pope cited his opposition to abortion. 
 
 Those reactions were reminiscent of the much more openly partisan gatherings in the same chamber to hear presidents' State of the Union addresses, when Republicans and Democrats traditionally pop up to applaud different lines. 
 
 ___ 
 
 12:45 p.m. 
 
 Pope Francis brought comfort to a more modest gathering after speaking to Congress and thousands of people cheering from the lawn. 
 
 Outside the Catholic Charities building in Washington, the pope walked among tables where homeless and needy people were eating and blessed the meal. 
 
 Francis also spoke to about 400 people at St. Patrick Church, including the homeless, parishioners of the church and Catholic Charities staff. He waded into the crowd and hugged people. 
 
 Ramona Service of Washington was among those who have been served by Catholic Charities and were invited to hear the pope speak 
 
 Service received help from Catholic Charities with funeral expenses when her son died in April. 
 
 She says Francis spoke "from the heart" and calls him "a very giving, sensible pope." 
 
 Sherrie May, 33, says the pope leaned over to kiss her 5-month-old daughter Rebecca on the head. Says May: "It was amazing." 
 
 ___ 
 
 12:15 p.m. 
 
 House Speaker John Boehner has tried for 20 years to get a pope to address Congress. So it's no surprise that the lawmaker known for frequently shedding tears found himself trying to hold them back once more. 
 
 After the speech, Boehner accompanied Pope Francis to the speaker's balcony of the Capitol, where the pontiff greeted the tens of thousands on the lawn and offered a prayer. 
 
 Standing next to the pope, Boehner, who is Catholic, was visibly moved. Fighting back tears, he pulled out a handkerchief to blow his nose. 
 
 ___ 
 
 11:40 a.m. 
 
 Fresh off his historic speech to Congress and greetings to a crowd of tens of thousands, Pope Francis addressed one of smallest gatherings of his U.S. visit. 
 
 Francis spoke to roughly 400 people at St. Patrick's Church in downtown Washington, addressing parishioners, people served by Catholic Charities and choirs from two local high schools. He called for charity and compassion toward the homeless and the least fortunate. And he said there is no social or moral justification for a lack of housing for the people. 
 
 Afterward, he was going to help serve lunch to homeless people who are regularly fed by Catholic Charities. 
 
 ___ 
 
 11:30 a.m. 
 
 Tens of thousands who gathered on the front lawn of the Capitol stood quietly and attentively as they listened to Pope Francis speak inside to a joint meeting of Congress. 
 
 The largest applause came when Francis invoked the Golden Rule — do unto others as you would have them do unto you — in reference to the Syrian refugee crisis. 
 
 He also received steady applause when he spoke about defending human life at every stage of development and about the joy of marriage and family life. 
 
 Mostly, though, the crowd listened quietly to a speech that was not always easily understood, given the pope's accent and the acoustics of the Capitol lawn. 
 
 ___ 
 
 11:20 a.m. 
 
 From the balcony of the U.S. Capitol, Pope Francis asked a crowd of tens of thousands to pray for him. 
 
 It's a plea he traditionally makes. But this time, speaking in Spanish, he added a line to acknowledge that not everyone in the crowd was Christian, much less a believer. 
 
 Through a translator, the pontiff said: "If among you there are some who don't believe or who cannot pray, I ask that you send good wishes my way." 
 
 After his speech to Congress, the pope walked onto a balcony of the Capitol and greeted the throngs with "Buenos Dias." 
 
 He expressed gratitude for their presence and asked God to bless "the most important ones here — children." 
 
 Francis ended his remarks in English, saying "Thank you very much and God bless America." The crowd cheered boisterously. 
 
 ___ 
 
 11:10 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis has taken his call for action on climate change to Congress. In his address to lawmakers, Francis urged a "courageous and responsible effort" to avert the most serious effects of what he called the "environmental deterioration caused by human activity." 
 
 Francis says he's convinced that working together, nations can make a difference to slow global warming. He says the U.S. and "this Congress" have an important role to play. Now, he says, is the time for a "culture of care." 
 
 ___ 
 
 11 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis is lamenting that the very basis of marriage and family life today is being put into question — an allusion to gay marriage in a country that recently legalized same-sex marriage across the land. 
 
 Speaking before Congress in the first-ever papal address, Francis said the family today is "threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without." 
 
 While Francis has shown great openness to gays as individuals, he has staunchly upheld the church teaching that marriage is a union between man and woman. 
 
 Sitting in front of Francis for his speech was John Roberts, chief justice of the Supreme Court, which legalized gay marriage across the country. 
 
 Francis is expected to speak in greater depth about the threats to families at a big church rally in Philadelphia later this week. 
 
 ___ 
 
 11 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis is demanding an end to the arms trade, delivering a tough message to a country that is the world's largest exporter of weapons. 
 
 Speaking before Congress, the pope asked why weapons are being sold to people who intend only to inflict suffering on innocents. He said: "Sadly, the answer as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood." 
 
 Francis has in the past denounced weapons makers and dealers as "the root of evil" and questioned how weapons manufacturers can call themselves Christian. 
 
 Francis has, however, said that it is legitimate to use military force against an "unjust aggression," such as the attacks by Islamic extremists against Christian and other religious minorities in Syria and Iraq. 
 
 ___ 
 
 10:35 a.m. 
 
 Speaking to Congress, Pope Francis is calling for an end to the death penalty in the U.S. and across the world. 
 
 Francis says that every life is sacred and society can only benefit from rehabilitating those convicted of crimes. 
 
 The pope noted that U.S. bishops have renewed their call to abolish capital punishment. That idea is unpopular, however, with many American politicians. 
 
 The pontiff did not specifically mention abortion — a particularly contentious issue in Congress at the moment that threatens to force the shutdown of the U.S. government next week. 
 
 Still, his remarks referred to the Catholic church's opposition to abortion. He urged lawmakers and all Americans to "protect and defend human life at every stage of its development." 
 
 ___ 
 
 10:30 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis is urging Congress members — and the United States as a whole — not to be afraid of immigrants but to welcome them as fellow human beings. 
 
 He says people are not things that can be discarded just because they are troublesome. 
 
 The pontiff's admonition comes as the presidential race is roiled by questions about immigration from Mexico and Latin America, and the nation is weighing how many migrants to accept from wars in the Middle East. 
 
 The son of Italian immigrants to Argentina himself, Francis noted that the United States was founded by immigrants, that many lawmakers are descended from foreigners, and that this generation must not "turn their back on our neighbors." 
 
 His plea: "Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated." 
 
 ___ 
 
 10:15 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis is calling for a "delicate balance" in fighting religious extremism to ensure that fundamental freedoms aren't trampled at the same time. 
 
 He says in his speech to Congress that "no religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism." 
 
 He says religious, intellectual and individual freedoms must be safeguarded, while combatting violence perpetrated in the name of religion. 
 
 The pope cautions against simplistically breaking the world into camps of good and evil. 
 
 Francis has expressed deep concern about the slaughter of Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East at the hands of Islamic extremists, fearing that the Christian presence in the region is risk. He's dispatched envoys to Iraq with money and other forms of assistance to help refugees. 
 
 ___ 
 
 10:05 a.m. 
 
 Pope Francis has opened his historic speech to Congress by describing himself as a "son of this great continent" joined in a common purpose with America. 
 
 The Argentine-born pope is the first from the Americas. His speech to Congress is the first by any pontiff. ||||| From his private meeting with President Obama to giving the first-ever papal address before a joint session of Congress, Pope Francis did not shy away from politics during his three-day stop in Washington, D.C. (Julie Percha/The Washington Post) 
 
 From his private meeting with President Obama to giving the first-ever papal address before a joint session of Congress, Pope Francis did not shy away from politics during his three-day stop in Washington, D.C. (Julie Percha/The Washington Post) 
 
 Pope Francis, making history’s first papal address to the U.S. Congress, on Thursday implored America’s leaders to accept those born in other countries as their own children, urging lawmakers to set aside political differences and embrace people who “travel north in search of a better life.” 
 
 The pope wrapped traditional Catholic teachings into a celebration of American icons including Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., drawing lessons from their work to gently but firmly push Congress to move beyond the partisan paralysis that has blocked progress on immigration reform, climate change and other issues. 
 
 “Each son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a personal and social responsibility,” the 78-year-old pontiff said in heavily accented English. “Your own responsibility as members of Congress is to enable this country, by your legislative activity, to grow as a nation.” 
 
 President Obama watched the speech on television, according to White House press secretary Josh Earnest. “Pope Francis made the appropriate observation for the United States to live up to the high standards that we set for ourselves,” Earnest said. 
 
 [LIVE UPDATES: The latest on Pope Francis in America] 
 
 1 of 51 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad × Highlights from Pope Francis’s second full day in the U.S. View Photos The pontiff became the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress. He also paid visits to St. Patrick’s Church and Catholic Charities before departing for New York. Caption The pontiff became the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress. He also paid visits to St. Patrick’s Church and Catholic Charities before departing for New York. Sept. 24, 2015 Pope Francis at the U.S. Capitol. Bill O'leary / Pool/European Pressphoto Agency Buy Photo Wait 1 second to continue. 
 
 The Capitol Hill call to action kicked off a second full day of gleeful crowds and emotional visits to Catholic institutions. The faithful gathered at the Apostolic Nunciature, or Vatican embassy, to greet the pope when he emerged. More lined the streets as his motorcade traveled to the Capitol, where thousands waited on the Mall to watch his speech on giant screens. 
 
 After his address to Congress, the pope went directly from the grandeur of Capitol Hill to the spare St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in a neighborhood that has flipped over the past decade from marginalized to magnet. He prayed with people who variously wore suits and torn T-shirts, and he blessed the meals of more than 300 homeless people. 
 
 Upon arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, the pope traveled by helicopter and motorcade to a very different St. Patrick’s, the soaring cathedral on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, for an evening service. 
 
 There, the pontiff began his homily by expressing “my sentiments of closeness” with Muslims after the tragic stampede that killed more than 700 pilgrims near Mecca on Thursday, the first day of Eid al-Adha, one of the holiest Muslim holidays. “I unite myself with all prayers to Almighty God, the merciful,” he said. 
 
 He spoke directly to nuns and women in the church, saying, “What would the church be without you?” He also referenced the clergy sex scandal for the second time on this visit, lamenting “the shame” caused by “brothers who harmed and scandalized the church in the most vulnerable of her members.” 
 
 The pontiff will carry his message to world leaders Friday when he speaks at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. 
 
 In his speech to Congress, Francis crafted an address saturated in American references, with special praise for the nation’s role as “a land which has inspired so many people to dream.” 
 
 He was pointed at times, urging the abolition of the death penalty and the end of arms trading, and warning of the dangers of religious extremism worldwide. And he was oblique at points, never directly mentioning abortion or the United States’ rapid embrace of same-sex marriage, saying only that the family is being threatened and that “fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family.” 
 
 [Read the pope’s speech] 
 
 He saved his most specific prescription for combating climate change, a cause on which he said the United States has a special obligation to lead. 
 
 “I call for a courageous and responsible effort to redirect our steps, and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity,” the pope said. “I am convinced that we can make a difference — I’m sure. And I have no doubt that the United States — and this Congress — have an important role to play. Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies.” 
 
 The pope, who helped broker a diplomatic opening with Cuba, offered himself and his example as a pastoral link between opposing points of view. “It is my duty to build bridges and to help all men and women, in any way possible, to do the same,” he said. “A good political leader is one who, with the interests of all in mind, seizes the moment in a spirit of openness and pragmatism.” 
 
 Although members of Congress largely avoided the ostentatious displays of partisan cheering that have come to characterize the president’s annual State of the Union addresses, an ideological divide was apparent at times. In response to Francis’s passage about climate change, Democrats mostly stood and cheered, while some Republicans stayed seated and applauded mildly, if at all. 
 
 But the response to the pope’s passionate words about embracing immigrants seemed to strike a bipartisan chord. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), a presidential candidate and son of Cuban immigrants, wiped away tears as the pope called himself “the son of immigrants.” 
 
 [Pope Francis: ‘I always was interested in politics’] 
 
 Pope Francis tempered his call for action with a statement of support for the role that business plays in society, calling it “a noble vocation, directed to producing wealth and improving the world.” 
 
 “The creation and distribution of wealth,” he said, is a vital element in the fight against poverty and climate change. 
 
 Those looking for signs of this pope’s political direction could find evidence in the speech’s repeated references to a pantheon of liberal heroes, from Dorothy Day, who dedicated her life to a battle against poverty and war, to Thomas Merton, whose “Letters to a White Liberal,” written in 1963, urged Christians to follow their faith and join the fight for civil rights for black Americans. 
 
 The pope praised King for his focus on “liberty in plurality and non-exclusion,” Day for “social justice,” and Merton for “dialogue and openness to God.” 
 
 [6 reasons the pope’s speech could be awkward for some lawmakers] 
 
 Francis implored Congress to “reject a mind-set of hostility” and embrace the immigrants who come “to this land to pursue their dream of building a future in freedom.” 
 
 The pope, noting that many in Congress are also children of people who made the risky journey to America, said the nation must follow the golden rule and “treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated.” 
 
 “We must not be taken aback by their numbers,” he said, “but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation.” 
 
 Francis’s emphasis on immigrants is a matter of self-interest for a U.S. church that is rapidly becoming majority Latino. Parishes across the white Northeast are shuttered while many in the West and South are bursting with ­Spanish-language Masses. 
 
 That focus also dovetails with the major theme of his American trip so far, a series of reminders that his papacy is very much about renewing the church’s focus on the poor and the powerless. The pope this year opened a 30-­bedroom homeless shelter just steps from the Vatican. He had showers set up for homeless people in St. Peter’s Square, and he invited about 150 homeless people to a private viewing of the Sistine Chapel. 
 
 In New York, he will get a direct look at inner-city Catholic education when he visits a school in East Harlem and meets with immigrants and refugees. In Philadelphia, where he will end his U.S. visit, the pope will visit a prison to meet with inmates. In Washington, his visit at St. Patrick’s immediately — and pointedly — followed his hour in the majestic House chamber. The plain sanctuary of the 220-year-old downtown church was filled with people who need basic life services. But as Francis noted, “In prayer, there is no first or second class.” 
 
 “I need your prayers, your support,” the pontiff said, standing at a simple wooden podium before a reverentially silent flock. “Would you like to pray together?” 
 
 The hush broke like the uncorking of a bottle: “Yes!” 
 
 Americans are largely supportive of the pope’s engagement on economic, social and environmental issues. But American Catholics, who make up about one-fifth of the U.S. electorate, remain deeply divided over their church’s directives. 
 
 [Poll: Americans love this pope. His church? Not as much] 
 
 One Catholic congressman, Rep. Paul A. Gosar (R-Ariz.), skipped the pope’s appearance to protest Francis’s advocacy for strong action against global climate change and what Gosar sees as the pope’s failure to speak out “with moral authority against violent Islam.” 
 
 The many lawmakers who were inside the chamber on Thursday emerged with bipartisan agreement that the pope’s central message was simple: Just get along. 
 
 On the Capitol lawn, many of those who watched the pope’s congressional address on giant video screens came away convinced that Congress should — but probably won’t — take his message to heart. 
 
 “I was not expecting him to address the bipartisan divide,” said Emily Warn, 62, a writer from Seattle. “It’s as if he was trying to heal Congress.” 
 
 In a country where the old-line Catholic population is diminishing because many families are having fewer children — though a wave of Hispanic immigrants is partly making up for that decline in numbers — the pope spoke to young Catholics, especially those who are “disoriented and aimless, trapped in a hopeless maze of violence, abuse and despair.” 
 
 They will have children, he said, only if the nation provides them with a greater sense of “possibilities for the future.” 
 
 After the address, Francis walked through the Capitol’s second floor to Statuary Hall and paused at the statue of Junípero Serra, the California missionary whom he had canonized on Wednesday. 
 
 The pontiff then joined Vice President Biden, House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) and other congressional leaders on the speaker’s balcony overlooking the West Front of the Capitol, greeting an enthusiastic crowd that numbered in the thousands. He said a few words of thanks in Spanish and then, to great cheers, switched to English: “Thank you very much, and God bless America!” 
 
 steve.hendrix@washpost.com 
 
 Sarah Pulliam Bailey, DeNeen L. Brown, Pamela Constable, Jessica Contrera, Ed O’Keefe, Michael E. Ruane and Kelsey Snell contributed to this report.
– Pope Francis hit a wide-ranging number of topics in his address to Congress today. Here are five getting attention: Death penalty: He implored Congress to abolish it, reports ThinkProgress. “Every life is sacred, every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity, and society can only benefit from the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes." Immigrants: He invoked MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech in asking the US to be more welcoming not only to refugees from Europe but from Mexico as well, reports the Hill. "On this continent, too, thousands of persons are led to travel north in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities. Is this not what we want for our own children?" Marriage: In what Slate says is "almost certainly an allusion" to gay marriage, Francis lamented the state of the modern family. It is "threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without," he said. "Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family. I can only reiterate the importance and, above all, the richness and the beauty of family life." Climate change: He said the US has an "important role to play" in reversing the "environmental deterioration caused by human activity," reports CNBC. "Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies." Arms trade: He told lawmakers from the world's largest exporter of weapons that the arms trade must end, reports the AP. Why do weapons get sold to war mongers? he asked. "Sadly, the answer as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood. ... It is our duty to confront the problem."