Dorothy Day gets a major shout out from Pope Francis

During his speech to Congress on Thursday, Pope Francis mentioned a list of people who "worked to build a better future."

"Three sons and a daughter of this land, four individuals and four dreams: Lincoln, liberty; Martin Luther King, liberty in plurality and non-exclusion; Dorothy Day, social justice and the rights of persons; and Thomas Merton, the capacity for dialogue and openness to God."

President Lincoln and Dr. King — sure, we know them pretty well. But who's Dorothy Day?

For starters, she's the co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. The group was formed during the Great Depression to champion pro-union and anti-poverty ideals.

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Day actually converted to Catholicism as an adult. Before joining the church she had an abortion as a young woman.

Pope Francis' mention of Day comes after he recently offered forgiveness of abortion during the Holy Year of Mercy.

"Her social activism, her passion for justice and for the cause of the oppressed, were inspired by the Gospel, her faith and the example of the saints," Pope Francis said.

See photos of adoring crowds lining up for the pope:

After converting to Catholicism, Day dedicated her life to helping the poor and homeless.

She passed away in 1980, and some within the church have pushed for her to be made a saint.

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