Pope Francis urged Congress on Thursday to end partisan squabbling and help heal “open wounds” inflicted by hatred, poverty, pollution, and other problems. It was the first time a pope had addressed a joint session of Congress. Francis encouraged liberals with calls for compassion to immigrants and ending the death penalty, and conservatives with a defense of “traditional” marriage and a condemnation of abortion. The pope, declining an invitation to lunch with congressional leaders, then dined with homeless people at a Catholic church. He visits New York City Friday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Washington, D.C., for his first U.S. state visit, which starts Friday morning with a welcome ceremony at the White House. During…