He said Pope Francis helps the Church reach a wider audience. But he has also maintained that marriage is between a man and a woman, and a holy union.
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Francis then took to the stage to speak directly to those gathered in the crowd: grandparents, struggling couples and children. America declared its independence from Britain in order to preserve the rights of its residents, including the right to religious freedom.
This is the key speech of Francis’ two days in Philadelphia, and his message was clearly met with willing ears at this historic setting.
“In this witness, which frequently encounters powerful resistance”, the Pope said, “you remind American democracy of the ideals for which it was founded, and that society is weakened whenever and wherever injustice prevails”. They had three young ones in-tow to show them the importance of sharing their faith.
“Our challenge today is to build on those solid foundations and to foster a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility in planning for the future of our parishes and institutions”, he said.
Although he does not support ordaining female priests, Francis urged the Church to value “the enormous contribution which women, lay and religious, have made and continue to make, to the life of our communities”.
Newsday reported that tens of thousands of spectators filled the streets of Philadelphia as the pope waved from his popemobile on his way to the event that was hosted by Mark Whalberg.
“We remember the great struggles which led to the abolition of slavery, the extension of voting rights, the growth of the labor movement, and the gradual effort to eliminate every kind of racism and prejudice directed at successive waves of new Americans”, he said to applause.
“God did not want to come into the world other than through a family”, he said, referring to Jesus’ birth to Mary. “But in families, there is always light”. Peter and Paul. Approximately 1,600 people were in attendance, according to the Associated Press.
NPR’s Jeff Brady spoke with a souvenir seller outside the Philadelphia Convention Center who was happy for the surge in business, but not by the tight security measures. Christian Andrews-Fulton said.
Dancers from the Philadelphia Ballet perform for Pope Francis, left, as he attends the World Meeting of Families festival in Philadelphia, Saturday, September 26, 2015.
After the speech, the pope went to the Festival of Families taking place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. “He will return there Sunday for the Mass, his last major event before leaving for Rome”.
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Pope Francis arrived in Philadelphia early yesterday, marking the third and final stop on his first trip to the United States.
