U.S. congressmen, 50,000 ticketed people crowded into the Capitol's West Lawn, and thousands of others who could only get as close as Jumbotrons sprawled throughout the National Mall witnessed Pope Francis deliver a historic speech Thursday morning.
After briefly meeting with House Speaker John Boehner, Francis walked into applause from the standing-room only House Chamber as he became the first-ever pope to address a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives.
On Wednesday, Francis stressed the importance of creating a "tolerant and inclusive" society, hinting at the role immigrants play in building a country. His speech to Congress touched immigration reform, as well as environmental areas covered in his controversial encyclical.
Here are the most memorable and controversial quotes from Pope Francis' speech.
"Today I would like not only to address you, but through you the entire people of the United States."
On society
"Each son or daughter of a given country has a mission. A personal, social responsibility. Your one responsibility as members of congress is to enable this country, by your legislative activity, to grow as a nation. You are the face of its people."
"Building a future of freedom requires love of the common good."
"All of us are quite aware of, and deeply worried by, the disturbing social and political situation of the world today."
"Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood. In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade."
On religion
"Our world is increasingly a place of violent conflict, hatred, and brutal atrocities committed even in the name of good and religion."
"All of us are quite aware of, and deeply worried by, the disturbing social and political situation of the world today."
"No religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism."
"Our response must instead be one of hope and healing, of peace and justice."
On immigration
"Let us remember the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
"Let us treat other with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated."
"We, the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners."
"If we want security, let us give security. If we want life, let us give life. If we want opportunity, let us provide these opportunities."
"Our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War."
"Tragically, the rights of those who were here long before us were not always respected ... but it is difficult to judge the past by the criteria of the present."
On family
"Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family. I can only reiterate the importance and, above all, the richness and the beauty of family life."
On being pro-life
"The golden rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development. This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels the global abolition of the death penalty."
On wealth
"The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts."
On climate change
"We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing and its human roots concern and affect us all."
"I am convinced we can make a difference. I'm sure."
"The right use of natural resources, the proper application of technology and the harnessing of the spirit of enterprise are essential elements of an economy which seeks to be modern, inclusive and sustainable."
"I am implementing a culture of care and an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to this, and at the same time protecting nature."