PHILADELPHIA – Standing in the shadow of the building where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, Pope Francis called on Americans to renew their commitment to religious freedom in an address before 40,000 on Saturday.
The pope delivered the speech on religious tolerance and immigration in front of Philadelphia's Independence Hall on his next-to-last day in the United States.
The address, to a heavily Latino audience, was delivered in the pope's native Spanish, one of at least six languages that Pope Francis speaks.
Invoking the words of the Declaration of Independence, the pope said that Americans need to remember history to avoid repeating past mistakes, and that people of all faiths should join together to call for respect and dignity of others.
"Do not forget what happened here more than two centuries ago," he said. "Do not forget that declaration that decreed that all men are created equal."
He also said that religious liberty means that people don't have to leave their religious beliefs at home to be part of public life.
"In a world where various forms of modern tyranny seek to suppress religious freedom, or try to reduce it to a subculture without right to a voice in the public square, or to use religion as a pretext for hatred and brutality, it is imperative that the followers of various religions join their voices in calling for peace, tolerance and respect for the dignity and rights of others," he said.
On a personal note, the pope said that visiting the area where the country was born was one of the highlights of his visit.
The pope arrived at Independence Hall by motorcade as thousands of onlookers cheered him along the route.
Earlier today he took some time to rest at a seminary after celebrating Mass at Philadelphia's Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
Later Saturday the pope will join in the final night of the World Meeting of Families event.