In a speech to the Republican-led Congress in Washington, the 78-year-old pontiff urged America to use its power and wealth to benefit humanity, emphasizing the importance of not turning away from those in need. Born in Argentina to an Italian immigrant family, Pope Francis addressed a wide range of issues, including liberal concerns, conservative values, and Catholic teachings on the family. He called for an end to the death penalty, a more fair economy to help those in poverty, and greater action against climate change. Later, he was warmly welcomed in New York as he traveled to St. Patrick's Cathedral. With the sound of organ music and a choir singing, the pope was greeted by a crowd of 3,000 in the cathedral for an evening prayer service. On Friday, Francis is scheduled to speak at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and lead an open-air Mass in Philadelphia on Sunday. His call for action on immigration was well-received, with applause coming from both Democrats and Republicans in attendance, including lawmakers, Supreme Court justices, and other dignitaries at the first ever address by a pope to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress. The issue of illegal immigration has been a focal point in the Republican race for the 2016 presidential nomination, with front-runner Donald Trump vowing to deport all 11 million illegal immigrants, many of whom are from Latin America like the pope. Trump has also made controversial remarks accusing Mexico of sending criminals across the border. In addressing an issue that has caused Republicans to lose support among Hispanic voters, Francis stated that America should not be alarmed by the influx of foreigners from south of the border seeking a better life. He emphasized the importance of seeing these individuals as people, listening to their stories, and responding to their situation with compassion, fairness, and brotherhood. Speaking softly in accented English, Francis was accompanied by two prominent American Catholics, Republican House Speaker John Boehner and Democratic Vice President Joe Biden. Boehner, known for getting emotional, openly wept during the speech. The United States has been struggling for a long time on how to handle illegal immigrants. Last year, Republicans in Congress stopped a bipartisan attempt to reform immigration laws that would have given illegal immigrants an opportunity to become US citizens. In a recent Pew Research Center poll of 2,002 U.S. adults in May, 51% believed that immigrants enhance the country with their hard work and skills, while 41% saw immigrants as a burden because they take jobs, housing, and healthcare. It remains uncertain if the pope's speech will influence opinions on immigration. "It doesn't change my views," said Michael Tipsword, a student at George Washington University and a Catholic. He mentioned that Francis' stance on immigration is more focused on humanitarian concerns rather than political motives. Tipsword, who identified as a strong conservative, made this statement while standing in front of the US Capitol building where a large crowd watched the speech on a screen. Quoting historical figures Abraham Lincoln and Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Francis urged lawmakers to prioritize unity over partisan conflicts, emphasizing that politics should serve the greater good of society. Both Democratic and Republican presidential candidates interpreted the pope's remarks as confirmation that he supports their respective views. In his speech, the pope touched on issues such as abortion and euthanasia, stressing the importance of protecting 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 criminals. Francis also condemned the global arms trade, fueled by money tainted with innocent blood, and criticized the silence surrounding this issue. In a stance that pleased conservatives, he expressed his opposition to same-sex marriage, stating that fundamental relationships and the institution of marriage are being challenged. To further emphasize his message of aiding the less fortunate, Francis left the US Capitol in his small black Fiat to have lunch with homeless individuals, asserting that there is no excuse for homelessness.