Pope Francis has told the US Congress that the US must see migrants not as "numbers", rather "as persons".
Speaking to a rare joint session, the Pope said immigrants should be treated "with the same passion and compassion with which we 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.
Before his address, the Pope was greeted at the US Capitol by Speaker of the House John Boehner, who is Catholic, and then entered the chamber to thunderous applause.
He said the world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since World War Two, and noted that thousands travel north into the US for a better life every year.
"We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation," he said.
"To respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal."
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