He will make the first address by any pope to the U.S. Congress on Thursday, a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday and an open-air Mass in Philadelphia where 1.5 million people are expected to attend.
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It’s the first visit to the United States for the popular pope, who was greeted with the pomp and circumstance of a papal visit and the raucousness of a football game. “And that will be probably all I’ll get to say, but that will be good enough for me”.
“We are celebrating the Pope with some religious themed beers”, says Paul Kerley, with Brookland Pint, a pub just down the street from the Basilica.
Meanwhile, 37 boys from the DeMatha Catholic High School Wind Ensemble, dressed in maroon and navy blazers, warmed up their instruments and the crowd as they awaited the pope’s arrival, the Associated Press said.
It may have been summed up best by Bishop Gregory Hartmayer of the Savannah Catholic Diocese “We’re looking forward to seeing the pope and welcoming him to the USA , listening to his wisdom and his words and his reflection on the importance of the family”. That’s who he is and that’s part of why he’s beloved all over the world. And although it looks like Philadelphia customers will be the most impacted, it’s still not clear how big of a deal this will really be.
The visit by Pope Francis to the USA will mark his second meeting with President Barack Obama. I think people love his simplicity, his authenticity, his directness and the fact that he’s speaking to them and to their concerns.
Francis goes to the White House on Wednesday morning.
While it’s safe to say fellow Catholics like Josh Duhamel and Leah Remini are more than interested in the historic visit, more surprising stars like Bill Maher and Snooki haven’t been shy about expressing their support for the 78-year-old. “I would like to meet with everyone”, he said.
Universal: That opportunities for education and employment may increase for all young people.
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“I think he’ll call us though generally to be good neighbors”, Olson said.
