The 78-year-old pontiff delivered a message that America's power and wealth should be used to serve humanity, stating that the United States must not ignore "the stranger in our midst." Francis addressed the Republican-led Congress in Washington, emphasizing the importance of building a nation through positive relations with others and rejecting hostility. Born in Argentina to an Italian immigrant family, Francis spoke on issues important to liberals in the US while also highlighting conservative values and Catholic teachings on family. He called for an end to the death penalty worldwide, advocated for a more equitable economy to help those in poverty, and urged greater efforts against climate change caused by human activities. The pope was later cheered by crowds in New York as he traveled to St. Patrick's Cathedral in his "popemobile." With the accompaniment of organ music and a choir, the pope was warmly received by a crowd of 3,000 in the cathedral for an evening prayer service. Following this, Francis is scheduled to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday and hold an open-air Mass in Philadelphia on Sunday. His message on immigration was met with applause, primarily from Democrats but also from Republicans, during his historic address to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress. The issue of illegal immigration has been a prominent topic in the race for the Republican nomination for the 2016 presidential election, with front-runner Donald Trump proposing the deportation of all 11 million illegal immigrants, many of whom are from Latin America like the pope. Trump has also made controversial statements accusing Mexico of sending criminals across the border. Francis, discussing a problem that has caused the Republicans to lose support among Hispanic voters, stated that America should not be alarmed by the influx of immigrants from south of the border seeking a better life. He emphasized the importance of seeing immigrants as individuals with their own stories and responding to their needs with empathy and fairness. He spoke in a gentle tone with a strong accent, and was accompanied by House Speaker John Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden, both prominent Catholics in America. Boehner was visibly emotional during the speech, often shedding tears. The United States has struggled for a long time with the issue of illegal immigrants. Last year, Republicans in Congress blocked a bipartisan effort to change immigration laws that could have given illegal immigrants a chance to become US citizens. According to a Pew Research Center poll in May, 51 percent of 2,002 U.S. adults believe immigrants strengthen the country with their hard work and talents, while 41 percent see them as a burden because they take jobs, housing, and healthcare. It is uncertain whether the pope's speech will change people's opinions on immigration. "It doesn't impact my views," said Michael Tipsword, a student at George Washington University and a Catholic. Tipsword, a self-proclaimed conservative, stated that Francis' stance on immigration is more driven by humanitarian concerns rather than political motivations. Standing in front of the US Capitol, he listened to the pope's speech alongside thousands of others. Francis referenced American icons Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing the importance of unity in politics for the greater good. Presidential candidates on both sides of the spectrum interpreted the pope's words as aligning with their own beliefs. In his speech, Francis also touched on the issues of abortion and euthanasia, stressing the need to protect and defend human life at all stages of development. He quickly shifted his focus to advocating for the abolition of the death penalty, emphasizing the value of every life and the potential benefits of rehabilitating those convicted of crimes. He also condemned the global arms trade driven by money tainted with innocent blood, urging an end to the silence surrounding this issue. Additionally, Francis expressed his disapproval of same-sex marriage and highlighted the importance of supporting the poor by visiting a group of homeless individuals immediately after his speech at the US Capitol.