Washington, September 24 (RHC)-- Pope Francis continued his first-ever trip to the United States by becoming the first Pope ever to address the U.S. Congress. At the joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Pope's speech was interrupted numerous times by applause from both Republicans and Democrats.

His Holiness addressed the issue of climate control and the need to protect the Earth's environment, as well as the controversial topic of immigration. He also pointed to 'The Golden Rule' -- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

On Wednesday, the Pope spoke at the White House about immigration, poverty and climate change. He said: "It seems clear to me also that climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation. When it comes to the care of our 'common home,' we are living at a critical moment of history."

On Wednesday, Pope Francis also canonized the 18th-century Spanish missionary Junípero Serra. The move has drawn strong protest from many indigenous groups. Serra founded nine of the 21 missions in California. Hundreds of thousands of people died after the missionaries arrived.