Pope Francis Historic Day Before Congress

Thursday was a historic day as Pope Francis addressed a joint meeting of Congress.

"I am most grateful for your invitation to address this Joint Session of Congress in 'the land of the free and the home of the brave,'" the Pope said in his opening remarks.

United States Senator John Cornyn of Texas, was on the escort committee, and shook the Pope’s hand. "It was a great honor and historic day," said Senator Cornyn.

At times, the Pope's speech, took on political tones where the Pontiff called on lawmakers to embrace immigrants, "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 as we can to their situation," He urged.

He also called for a global abolition of the death penalty and talked about climate change.

"He was not speaking as a political leader. He was speaking as a spiritual leader," said Senator Cornyn. "and certainly there are people who do believe, as he advocated, for the elimination the death penalty."

"But it is not the law, the law in Texas. It is not what Texans have said they want,” Cornyn added.

University of Dallas Political professor Christopher Wolfe said he believes members of Congress were likely touched some way by many of the things the Pope said, no matter which side of the aisle they are on.

"I think some of the people in Congress are pretty serious about wanting to be good public servants, and I’m sure their hearts were touched by some of the things the pope said. Of course some people will look at this like how can I spin

this politically to advance my own positions," said Wolfe.

Dallas county Judge Clay Jenkins was on the white house lawn when the Pope spoke yesterday. He said there were political moments, but the Pope is a faith leader speaking from a faith perspective.

"So Ii think if people can take off their political goggles and hear it that way, there is much more that unites us than divides us," said Jenkins.