Pope Francis in historic speech to US congress calls for end to death penalty

Update 3.45pm Pope Francis summoned US politicians to defend and preserve the dignity of all Americans, introducing himself as “a son of this great continent” as he became the first pontiff in history to address a joint meeting of Congress.

The pope called for an end to the death penalty in the US and across the world.

Francis said that every life is sacred and society can only benefit from rehabilitating those convicted of crimes.