This Sunday, Pope Francis concluded his first visit to the U.S. During his travels, he delivered several powerful speeches. Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput said the crowd numbered more than a million.
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Still they made it through and onto the parkway in time to see Pope Francis pass by in his Ohio-made Jeep Popemobile.
The pope met with the five victims, three women and two men who are all now adults, in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia’s mass transit agency reported increased ridership on special papal trains heading into the city. “I ask him to fix it”.
“It is painful when we see prison systems, which are not concerned to care for wounds, to soothe pain, to offer new possibilities”.
Francis also appeared to delve deeper into US disputes by describing conscientious objection as a fundamental “right”.
The meeting marked just the second time Francis has met victims of clergy sexual abuse and was the first on a foreign tour.
This is an important step to reassure victims angry at how the Vatican previously dealt with allegations.
In wide-ranging comments by the pontiff during his flight back to Rome, he also touched on his celebrity status, raised interest in a possible groundbreaking trip to China and expressed strong backing for those who take a stand for their religious views. Please know that the Holy Father hears you and believes you.
Actor Mark Wahlberg, who is a devout Catholic, hosted The Festival Of Families Concert.
He told reporters today he had spoken “openly” with the abuse survivors, and that he did not judge those who could not find it in their hearts to forgive their perpetrators.
“What he’s focused on are the needs and he has reemphasized where we should be going as a church”, said Robert Staab. He said the pope’s words were merely window dressing for the wider problem of inaction by the church.
Rozzi, who represents the 126th District in Berks County, said he was sexually abused by a priest at age 13.
“I said once on the plane when were flying over China when we were coming back from Korea that I would very much, like so much, to go to China”.
He said happiness and holiness come from those small gestures we make in everyday life.
Pope Francis may have never visited the United States before last week, but the pontiff certainly looked and sounded as if he belonged here.
Celebrating the Catholic faith with pilgrims from all over the world and meeting people from diverse backgrounds has been a highlight for many of those who participated in the World Meeting of Families and the Papal Festivities, especially the almost 10,000 of volunteers.
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During the mass, the Francis gave a Syrian family a copy of the gospel and funds collected from donations.
