Pope Francis became the first pontiff to address a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday during his final day in Washington, D.C.

Shortly after 10 a.m. EDT, Pope Francis said he is grateful of the invitation to address the joint meeting of Congress, "in the land of the free and the home of the brave," which garnered the first standing ovation of his speech.

"I would like to think the reason of this is that I too is the son of this great continent of which we all receive so much .... and share a common responsibility," said the leader of the Holy See. "Each son or daughter of a given daughter has a mission, a personal and social responsibility," adding Congress has a legislative responsibility, as representatives of the people, to call and defend of the dignity of fellow citizens and pursuit of the common good.

He not only wanted to address Congress but deliver a message "through" them as representatives of Americans, who "strive each day to do a honest day's work" and bring a better life to their families.

The pontiff said he wants a dialogue, including the young people who face difficult situations often due to the immaturity of others.

"Our world is an increasingly a place of violence, hatred and brutal atrocities even in the name of God and of religion. We know that no religion is immune from forms of individual delusions or extremism," said the pontiff, adding that there must be attention to every type of fundamentalism with a delicate balance to combat violence while also safeguarding religious freedom and intellectual freedom.

Pope Francis said a response has to be one of hope, healing, peace and justice. He said courage has to be summoned to restore many of the geopolitical and economic crises and its effects of unjust actions.

"Our efforts must aim to restore hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments and thus promoting the well-being of individuals among peoples," said Pope Francis.

"The challenges facing us today called for a renewal for the spirit of cooperation that has accomplished so much good in the history of the Untied States," said Pope Francis. "The complexity and the gravity of these challenges demand that we pull our resources and talents to support one another with respect for our differences and our convictions of conscious."

The pontiff mentioned Dr. Martin Luther King's march from Selma, Alabama, for human rights, which is a dream that continues to inspire everyone and he's happy that America continues to be a "land of dreams."

Pope Francis said many have come to the U.S. to achieve a dream, and people of this continent should not fear foreigners "because most of us were once foreigners."

"I say this to you as the son of immigrants, knowing that so many of you are also descended of immigrants. ... [T]ragically the rights of those ... were not always respected," said the pontiff.

He said people should not turn their back on their neighbors, and all must relate to others, reject a mindset of hostility and adopt solidarity.

"I'm confident that we can do this," said the pope.

"Our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War. This presents us with great challenges and many hard decisions. In this continent, too, thousands of persons travel north in search for a better life for themselves and their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities," said Pope Francis. "Is this not what we want for our children?"

"We must not be taken back by the numbers but view them as the persons ... and listening to their stories and respond as best as we can," he said, adding, "We must remember the golden rule: 'Do one to others as you would have them do unto you.'"

Pope Francis also called for the global abolition of the death penalty, acknowledging that all life is sacred. He said everyone can make a difference on the man-made effects of "environmental deterioration," or climate change, adding that a positive difference can be made and the U.S. and Congress have an important role to play. He said an inclusive and sustainable economy can exist with proper use of technology, enterprise and natural resources.

"In these remarks I have sought to present some of the richness of your cultural heritage, of the spirit of the American people. It is my desire that this spirit continue to develop and grow, so that as many young people as possible can inherit and dwell in a land, which has inspired so many people to dream," said Pope Francis.

The pontiff concluded his speech with "God bless America."

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Linda Sanchez, congresswoman for California's 38th Congressional District, released a statement following the pontiff's historic speech.

"Few words can describe the feeling of being in the House chamber this morning. As the daughter of immigrant parents, as a Catholic, as a Latina, I am overjoyed. Today, Pope Francis spoke to all faiths and parties. He shared with us a message that is critically needed in Congress and our nation," said Sanchez, adding that the pontiff had called for the need to address climate change, poverty and immigration.

"Our nation faces difficult challenges in the days, months, and years ahead. But if we heed Pope Francis' message and 'call for a renewal of cooperation,' I know we can meet them. We have an opportunity to be a better America. A chance to live up to our creed as "the land of the free and the home of the brave," said Sanchez. "Let's get to work."

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Politics Editor Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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