Addressing Congress, Pope urges U.S. to end hostility toward immigrants

His Holiness Pope Francis is welcomed to the Speakers Balcony at the Capitol by members of Congress. REUTERS/Doug Mills/Pool

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pope Francis beseeched Americans to end hostility toward immigrants in a historic speech before the U.S. Congress on Thursday, weighing in forcefully on a divisive issue that is stirring debate in the 2016 presidential campaign.

Bringing a message that America's power and wealth should be used to serve humanity, the 78-year-old pontiff said the United States must not turn its back on "the stranger in our midst."