The head of the Catholic Church addressed the U.S. Congress on Thursday and prodded the lawmakers to help the world's poor with regards to immigration, climate change and various social ills plaguing the world.

The New York Times reported that Pope Francis is the first Catholic leader to have ever taken the podium of the American congress. The Holy See cited in his speech a number of American historical figures such as President Abraham Lincoln, who put an end to slavery, and Martin Luther King Jr., who fought for the civil rights of African-Americans.

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While the Pope calls for the country's politicians to unite for a common goal, the Republican and Democratic parties remain at odds with one another. Both sides see the Pope's speech as vindication of their own political beliefs and downplayed parts of his speech that does not conform to theirs.

But the Pope's speech was clear on the issues like immigration and climate change, which is probably why Democrats usually led more standing ovations than Republicans, who reluctantly followed suit, according to Bloomberg.

The Pope made his speech in English, which he does not usually do. Church officials told the press that the Spanish-speaking pontiff wanted to communicate with the American politicians in their native tongue.

But after his speech in Congress, he went out to meet with the huge crowd who were waiting for him. The Pope talked to them in Spanish instead. An interpreter translated his words into English.

Before heading to New York, the Pope went to Washington's Saint Patrick Church where he met with a group of homeless persons.

While the Pope's earlier speech in the White House focused largely on the need to do something about global warming. His speech in Congress tackled more on immigration. He also mentioned that his family, who were originally from Argentina, immigrated to Italy. He told politicians in the audience not be frightened by immigrants.

He urged the audience to look at immigrants as human beings who deserved to be given sanctuary and a chance to improve themselves. He made reference to the golden rule with regards to helping other people.

The Pope also called for the end to abortion and the death penalty.

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