Amelia Templeton/OPB
People across Oregon woke up early Thursday morning to listen to Pope Francis' historic address to the U.S. Congress.
In North Portland, a crowd watched C-SPAN over breakfast at the St. Andrew's Catholic Community Center, clapping when the House sergeant at arms introduced the pope.
Afterward, Diana Ruiz — a member of St. Andrew's church — said she was grateful the pope called on Congress to treat migrants with compassion.
"I'm an immigrant. I'm a member of a community that has been living in fear," she said.
"It was so nice to hear from him, to speak directly to the people who have the power to change all that," Ruiz said. "Like he said: Offer opportunities, offer dreams, treat people the way you would wish to be treated."
Others in the crowd said they welcomed the pope's messages on climate change, strengthening the family and fighting poverty.
Francis is the first pope to address a joint session of Congress.
"I think he was courageous to want to do it," said Lucinda Pedle, a Sister of the Holy Names from Lake Oswego. "I'm glad he brought up the importance of the family, that we need to give jobs to people so that they're able to provide for their family. "
Pope Francis is headed to New York and Philadelphia next, and will return to Rome on Sunday.