The pope laid his hands on Michael, who suffers from cerebral palsy, and blessed him, then kissed him gently on the head.
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The group made a quick stop at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, which hosted groups descending on Philadelphia to see the pope by offering them snacks and a place to rest.
The pope’s talk centered on immigration and religious freedom outside Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
“Do not be discouraged by whatever challenges and hardships you face”, the pope told the many Hispanics and other recent immigrants to the United States in the crowd, adding he felt “particular affection” toward them.
He urged immigrants to remember that “you bring many gifts to your new nation”.
“When you’re down here, it’s like we don’t need to be ashamed of being Catholic anymore”, Whittingham said.
Although her luggage was left behind, Local 10 News reporter Glenna Milberg arrived in Philadelphia, where the city was already awaiting Pope Francis’ arrival.
As the volunteer continued to the back of the vast cathedral, the nun said, “The sisters are all sitting on the side and we have the clergy here”.
“The Pope called upon us all to embrace immigrants, combat inequality and fight climate change – and I know New Yorkers throughout our city heard his powerful message”.
But seconds after getting into the auto, Francis, spotting a child in a wheelchair behind the barricades, got out.
Referencing St. Katharine Drexel, a Philadelphia native, in his homily, Francis spoke about the contributions that young people, especially women, have brought to the Church.
“What would the Church be without you?”
Dancers from the Philadelphia Ballet perform for Pope Francis, … The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which covers five counties, boasts almost 1.5 million Catholics. “So we welcome you with all our hearts, and a huge amount of enthusiasm and joy”.
Attention all – the pope is now in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia!
“I wanted to be part of this family celebration”, said 42-year-old Luis Ortiz, who slept outside with his 11 children near the cathedral.
“That is why the family is the living symbol of the loving plan of which the Father once dreamed”, he said.
It is meant to strengthen the sacred bonds of families across the world. MOLLY RILEY/AFP/Getty Images Francis gets a hug from a well-wisher at the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States. He called the family a “factory of hope”, despite conflicts that may arise. “This world just needs more love”.
Joey Walker, 13, of Morgantown, Pennsylvania, turned down a school dance and paintball for a chance to see the pope at the festival.
Francis was welcomed in song and laughter on a heartwarming visit to a Catholic school in New York’s East Harlem neighborhood.
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Speaking from the lectern used by President Abraham Lincoln when he delivered the Gettysburg Address, Francis directly addressed America’s Hispanic population, saying: “Thank you for opening the doors”.
