Pope Francis pushes for immigrant rights in US
Pope Francis has called for immigrant rights and cultural tolerance in the United States, saying newcomers must embrace their heritage.
Addressing Hispanics at the base of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where America’s founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Francis said immigrants “bring many gifts” to the US and should not be ashamed of their traditions.
“I ask you not to forget that, like those who came here before you, you bring many gifts to your new nation,” the pope said Saturday before an estimated 24,000 people.
“Please, don’t ever be ashamed of your traditions,” he added. “Do not be discouraged by whatever challenges and hardships you face.”
The speech came as xenophobic rhetoric, fueled by Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump, is stalling immigration reform in the United States.
Trump has vowed to close US borders to illegal immigrants and deport all undocumented individuals from the country.
Over 35,000 immigrant children traveling on their own and more than 34,500 families, mostly mothers and children, have been arrested in the US over the past year, according to the Border Patrol.
In his speech, Francis also denounced discrimination against religion and offered a veiled criticism of abortion in the country.
“Religious freedom certainly means the right to worship God, individually and in community, as our consciences dictate,” the pontiff said. “But religious liberty, by its nature, transcends places of worship and the private sphere of individuals and families.”
The pope started the day in Philadelphia with saying Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul amid high security.
Francis is set to meet with a group of inmates at a Pennsylvania prison on Sunday.
More than 1.5 million people are expected to participate in Sunday Mass, the pontiff's last scheduled public event in the US before he heads back to Rome later on Sunday.
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