Monthly Archives: September 2015

Before leaving Philadelphia to return to Rome, Francis offered words of gratitude to the American people and thanked them for their generosity. He ended his remarks encouraging us to use that same gratitude to care for others in need. “I … Continue reading →

More than one million pilgrims gathered on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the closing Mass of the World Meeting of Families and his final public appearance on this trip. Here, he encouraged families to focus on the small, simple things … Continue reading →

Pope Francis’s visit to the correctional facility marked the first visit of a pope to a United States Prison. There he offered moving words of solidarity with the prisoners noting that he was chief of sinners and all of us … Continue reading →

Pope Francis began his remarks to the bishops at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary by announcing he had met with victims of sexual abuse that morning. He strongly condemned the crime of sexual abuse and promised that all responsible will be … Continue reading →

 On Saturday evening the Pope joined a quarter of a million people along Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway for a Festival of Families. The event was hosted by Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg and featured performances from Andrea Bocelli, Jim Gaffigan, Aretha Franklin, special … Continue reading →

Communiqué of Fr. Federico Lomobardi, SJ, Director of the Holy See Press Office on Pope Francis’ Meeting with Victims of Sexual Abuse by the Clergy or by members of their own families or teachers This morning between 8:00 and 9:00 … Continue reading →

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis held a private meeting with victims of clerical sex abuse in Philadelphia on Sunday (27th September) and told bishops afterwards that such crimes “must no longer be held in secret” and promised on behalf of the … Continue reading →

In what is being hailed as his most important address thus far, Francis offered a strong defense of religious freedom at the site of the American founding at Independence Hall. He offered a rebuke of the current approach to a limited … Continue reading →

At his first appearance in Philadelphia at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Francis celebrated mass for the men and women religious of the archdiocese of Philadelphia. Francis paid tribute to the many generations of Catholics who have … Continue reading →

[By Christopher White from Catholic Voices USA] Francis celebrated Mass for over 20,000 New Yorkers at Madison Square Garden—one of the city’s most fabled sport and concert venues. He praised the diversity and vibrancy of city life but warned against those … Continue reading →