National

More than nine in 10 members of Congress identify as Christian, including 31 percent who are Catholic. That's higher than the share of Americans who identify as Christian or Catholic.

The Pope Addressed A Congress That's Much More Christian Than America

2:05pm September 24, 2015

by Tamara Keith

Congress members are also more religiously affiliated overall. "Maybe it's because we need the solid grounding and good guidance we get from above," one senator says.

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Pope Francis Highlights Climate Change At White House

2:04pm September 24, 2015

by Scott Horsley

President Obama welcomed the pope to the White House Wednesday. The two men have a shared interest in addressing climate change and income inequality, though they disagree on issues such as abortion.

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As U.S. Announces Plan To Accept More Refugees, Michigan Gets Ready

2:00pm September 24, 2015

by Sarah Cwiek

Southeast Michigan has taken in waves of refugees from the Middle East conflicts for decades, resulting in a strong Arab-American community. Refugee advocates say they're prepared to help Syrians.

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Pope Francis speaks in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Thursday. He is the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress.

The 10 Most Political Moments In Pope Francis' Address To Congress

1:51pm September 24, 2015

by Domenico Montanaro

The speech had something for everyone. It had several lines that might have made members of both parties uncomfortable — but mostly Republicans.

Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington on Thursday.

'I Am Convinced That We Can Make A Difference,' Pope Tells Congress

12:53pm September 24, 2015

by Scott Neuman

In a nearly hourlong speech, Pope Francis called for action on climate change, encouraged empathy for immigrants and advocated for the poor. He also said he supports abolishing the death penalty.

President Barack Obama and Pope Francis stand at attention during the playing of the national anthems during a state arrival ceremony for the pope on the South Lawn of the White House Wednesday.

Pope Francis Tells His U.S. Bishops Not To Shy Away From Big Issues

12:42pm September 24, 2015

by Bill Chappell

When it comes to abortion, hunger, war, immigrants who drown, the sick and the environment, "it is wrong to look the other way or remain silent," Francis said.

Pope Francis arrives for the canonization Mass for Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Pope Francis Celebrates First U.S. Mass, Canonizes New Saint

12:41pm September 24, 2015

by Laura Wagner

During the Mass celebrated at Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., Junipero Serra became the first saint canonized on U.S. soil.

Pope Francis waves to a crowd from the speaker's balcony at the Capitol on Thursday. In his speech, Francis lauded two Catholics: Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton.

In Pope Francis' Congress Speech, Praise For Dorothy Day And Thomas Merton

12:41pm September 24, 2015

by Bill Chappell

Calling them "four representatives of the American people," Pope Francis lauded Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln.

LISTEN: The Pope's Speech To Congress

12:41pm September 24, 2015

by NPR Staff

In case you missed it: The full audio of Pope Francis' speech to a joint meeting of Congress, paired with his prepared remarks and analysis from Morning Edition.

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Jane Garcia, CEO of La Clinica de la Raza, which serves 25,000 patients in Contra Costa County, Calif., addresses supporters of expanding health care for undocumented adults.

California Counties Add Health Care For Immigrant Adults

12:38pm September 24, 2015

by Farida Jhabvala Romero

Local governments say the move to cover preventive health care for people who are in the country illegally will save money overall by reducing the high cost of emergency room visits.