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In US, Pope Francis weighs in on key issues

September 24, 2015

For the first time a pontiff has addressed the US Congress, Pope Francis called on American lawmakers to do more to combat global injustices. The Argentine pontiff also called for the "abolition of the death penalty."

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Pope Francis addresses US Congress
Image: Reuters/K. Lamarque

Pope Francis on Thursday addressed American lawmakers in the nation's capital Washington, becoming the first pope to deliver a speech at the US Congress.

"Today I would like not only to address you, but through you the entire people of the United States," the pope said as he began his 50-minute speech.

The former cardinal from Buenos Aires, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, touched on critical subjects that have come into focus domestically as the US gears up for next year's presidential election.

'Facing a refugee crisis'

"Our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War," Pope Francis said. "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."

Pope Francis' comments on migration come at a time when right-wing presidential candidates are using anti-immigrant rhetoric to raise campaign support.

"We need to avoid a common temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves troublesome. Let us remember the Golden Rule: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'"

'Global abolition of death penalty'

Following his comments on migration, the pope continued on with the "Golden Rule" adage, noting that "it also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development."

What might at first have seemed to be an introduction to the Catholic Church's stance on abortion, another hot Republican topic in election season, instead morphed into the pontiff calling for the end of capital punishment.

"This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty," Pope Francis said.

In the US, only 19 states have independently decided to ban capital punishment.

"I am convinced that this way is the best, since 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," the pontiff noted.

Pope Francis also addressed the need to tackle climate change - a concept challenged by many Republican politicians - as well as the human cost of arms trade and fundamentalism.

ls/msh (Reuters, AP, AFP, dpa)