Pope Francis urges America to see migrants as persons not numbers

Pope Francis has told the US Congress that America must see migrants as persons and not as numbers.

Speaking at a rare joint session, the Pope said immigrants should be treated with the same passion and compassion with which all humans want to be treated. 

In the same address, the Pontiff renewed his call for ending the death penalty, and for better treatment of the poor and disadvantaged.

He was warmly greeted by 500 lawmakers, justices and officials. After entering the chamber to a thunderous applause, he said the world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since World War Two, and noted the immense challenges that the crisis presents.

He drew particular attention to the movement of migrants from Central America to the United States in search of a better life - a reference which drew a standing ovation.


BBC