In America's birthplace, pope gives pep talk to immigrants
- 9 years ago
Pope Francis, speaking on Saturday in America's birthplace, offered stout words of support to Hispanic and other immigrants in the United States, telling them not to be discouraged at a time when some prominent politicians are directing hostility toward them.
A day before wrapping up his first U.S. visit, the 78-year-old Argentine pontiff also used his trip to Philadelphia to promote religious freedom as a fundamental right but condemned the use of religion as a pretext for hatred and brutality.
"Do not be discouraged by whatever challenges and hardships you face," the pope told the many Hispanics and other recent immigrants to the United States in the crowd, adding he felt "particular affection" toward them.
The leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics urged Americans in a historic speech to Congress on Thursday to reject "a mindset of hostility" toward immigrants.
He expanded on that issue in his Philadelphia speech, delivered in Spanish.
"You should never be ashamed of your traditions," Francis said to applause.
"I repeat, do not be ashamed of what is part of you."
A day before wrapping up his first U.S. visit, the 78-year-old Argentine pontiff also used his trip to Philadelphia to promote religious freedom as a fundamental right but condemned the use of religion as a pretext for hatred and brutality.
"Do not be discouraged by whatever challenges and hardships you face," the pope told the many Hispanics and other recent immigrants to the United States in the crowd, adding he felt "particular affection" toward them.
The leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics urged Americans in a historic speech to Congress on Thursday to reject "a mindset of hostility" toward immigrants.
He expanded on that issue in his Philadelphia speech, delivered in Spanish.
"You should never be ashamed of your traditions," Francis said to applause.
"I repeat, do not be ashamed of what is part of you."