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                           Pope Francis to Address UN

   by VOA News

   On Friday, the fourth day of his historic first visit to the United
   States, Pope Francis is in New York, where he continues his jam-packed
   itinerary.

   The 78-year-old pontiff is scheduled to address world leaders at the
   U.N. General Assembly, then join in a multi-faith service at the
   National September 11 Memorial, where the World Trade Center once
   stood. He will visit a Catholic elementary school in the heavily
   Hispanic and black neighborhood of East Harlem. Afterwards, a throng of
   spectators will cheer him on as he drives through Central Park. In the
   evening, he will celebrate Mass at Madison Square Garden before an
   estimated 20,000 worshipers, and will sit on a chair built primarily by
   day laborers.

   Francis flew to New York from Washington Thursday afternoon. He led an
   evening prayer service at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in midtown
   Manhattan. He was greeted at Saint Patrick's by New York Governor
   Andrew Cuomo and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

   ''

   The pope plans to leave New York Saturday morning for two days in
   Philadelphia, his final U.S. stop. There Francis will attend the
   Vatican-sponsored World Meeting of Families.

   Sunday Mass

   On Sunday, he will celebrate an outdoor Mass, which is expected to draw
   nearly 2 million people.

   In New York, Francis is expected to focus on climate change, migration
   and immigration in his U.N. address. The organization on Friday starts
   a three-day summit to adopt new goals aimed at ending poverty and
   inequality, and combating climate change.

   Francis incorporated those themes in a speech Thursday in Washington to
   a joint meeting of Congress, the first such address by a U.S. pope.
   Rich nations have a moral obligation to aid the vulnerable, Francis
   suggested in discussing "the creation and distribution of wealth."

   ''

   "The right use of natural resources, the proper application of
   technology and the harnessing of the spirit of enterprise are essential
   elements" of an inclusive, sustainable economy, he continued.

   Referencing his recent encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si,
   Francis called for "a courageous and responsible effort to `redirect
   our steps' ... and to avert the most serious effects of the
   environmental deterioration caused by human activity."

   Refugee issue

   As for coping with the worst refugee crisis since World War II, Francis
   urged compassion, not hostility.

   "We must not be taken aback by [migrants'] numbers, but rather view
   them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories,
   trying to respond as best we can to their situation - to respond in a
   way which is always humane, just and fraternal," he told Congress.

   After the speech, Francis went onto the Capitol balcony to address
   thousands gathered below. Speaking in Spanish, he said, "I'm so
   grateful for your presence. The most important ones here, children,
   I'll ask God to bless them."

   Standing next to him, U.S. House Speaker John Boehner dabbed at his
   eyes with a handkerchief, overcome with emotion.

   Francis concluded his remarks in English, saying, "Thank you very much
   and God bless America." The crowd erupted in boisterous cheers.

   After leaving the Capitol, Francis spoke to roughly 400 people at St.
   Patrick's Church in downtown Washington, addressing parishioners,
   people served by Catholic Charities and choirs from two local high
   schools.

   He called for charity and compassion toward the homeless and the least
   fortunate. And he said there is no social or moral justification for a
   lack of housing for the people.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/pope-francis-to-address-un/2978237.html