U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer said Pope Francis delivered an inspiring call to action during the pontiff’s historic address to a joint meeting of Congress Thursday.

Kilmer, a 6th District congressman, released the following statement after Pope Francis delivered his address to Congress:

“On his first visit to America, Pope Francis delivered a historic and inspiring address to Congress,” Kilmer said.

“By reminding us of the Golden Rule, the Pope reinforced the need to treat all people with dignity, particularly those who are less fortunate. That idea of treating folks as you’d want to be treated — of working for our common good and embracing our common humanity — is often missing under the roof of our nation’s capitol. The Pope’s words were an important call to lend an inviting hand to suffering people, whether by illness, poverty or war, and to protect our planet for generations yet to come.”