WASHINGTON Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of 1.

2 billion Catholics, challenged

Congress and by extension the mightiest nation in history on Thursday to break out of its cycle of
polarization and paralysis to finally use its power to heal the open wounds of a planet torn by
hatred, greed, poverty and pollution.
Taking a rostrum never before occupied by the bishop of Rome, the pontiff issued a vigorous call
to action on issues largely favored by liberals, including a powerful defense of immigration, a
critique of the excesses of capitalism, an endorsement of environmental legislation, a blistering
condemnation of the arms trade and a plea to abolish the death penalty.