Pope Francis’ history-making trip to the United States is still being talked about days after his departure.
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Pope Francis waves from the popemobile during the Papal Parade at the Festival of Families, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 26 September 2015.
But the pope’s comments on Sunday have been criticized by a few as a mere public relations move.
Worshippers present the offertory gifts to Pope Francis during Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday in Philadelphia.
“Very jubilant to see the pope“.
The roar of the crowd quickly transitioned, to music echoing throughout the Center City of downtown Philadelphia and the start of mass. It was followed by the Pope’s homily and you’ll never hear so many be so quiet.
“Naiiyak ako…yung pagmamahal niya sa mga bata parang pagmamahal din ng magulang sa kanyang mga anak”, said Jose Rodas Mogol.
During the pope’s jail visit, he greeted the men one by one, along with their families, telling them to spend their time behind bars getting their lives back on track.
Among those attending the afternoon World Meeting of Families Papal Mass on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum was the Rev. Francisco Alanis with St. Therese Little Flower Church in Albuquerque.
Francis wrapped up his historic six-day trip on USA soil yesterday with a message of hope for families and consolation to victims of sex abuse at the hands of clergy. “Were people safe and secure- participants and Pope Francis- the answer again is yes”.
On Friday, he arrived in New York where he addressed the United Nations General Assembly before heading to Philadelphia, where his appearances took a more pastoral turn. His plane departed for Rome on Sunday night, thus bringing to a close his first visit to US soil.
Earlier, the pope had been slammed by abuse victims after he spoke about the sex abuse scandal on Wednesday and praised bishops for their “courage and commitment” to help the victims heal.
“Clergy and bishops will be held accountable when they abuse or fail to protect children”.
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The new commission set up by the pope is determined to take care, not only of victims of clerical abuse, but abuse victims in general, including those of other religions, said Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi. “I have in my heart the stories of suffering and the pain of the minors who were sexually abused by priests”, Pope Francis said afterwards in Spanish to a meeting of bishops.
