For the first time in American history, a pope has addressed a joint session of Congress - and he pleaded for the U.S. government to follow the humane, compassionate agenda of Jesus and the Golden Rule.
Pope Francis urged America to welcome Hispanic immigrants seeking better lives, and also refugees fleeing Mideast sectarian slaughter.
"Most of us were once foreigners," he said. "I say this to you as the son of immigrants, knowing that so many of you are also descended from immigrants."
The pope added that, because of Mideast warfare, "our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War." He denounced "violent conflict, hatred and brutal atrocities committed even in the name of God and of religion." He said no church is "immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism."
Francis urged America to provide a better safety net for the poor and homeless. "Keep in mind all those people around us who are trapped in a cycle of poverty," he said, calling for more "creation and distribution of wealth." The pope said business is essential for "the creation of jobs [and] service to the common good."
Francis called on America to abolish the barbaric death penalty, as most other democracies have done. (We're proud that West Virginia took this step a half-century ago.)
He urged Congress to reduce air pollution that drives global warming and causes worse weather disasters. "I call for a courageous and responsible effort ... to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity," he said.
Congressional Democrats stood and cheered his climate remarks, while Republicans mostly sat glum. Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., refused to attend the joint address because of the pope's stand on global warming.
Francis asked America to stop selling mass-killing weapons around the globe. "Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society?" he asked. "Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money - money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood. In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and stop the arms trade."
Finally, the pope urged members of Congress to soften their ideological hostilities and learn to cooperate for the benefit of the public.
Pope Francis is immensely popular around the world, because he espouses the simple kindness of Jesus. His historic visit to Washington reflected his superb views.