Bishop Malone prepares for visit by Pope Francis

Pope Francis’ upcoming visit falls on the 50th anniversary of the first time a sitting pontiff visited the United States.

Just 23 percent view Pope Francis unfavorably, though this number has doubled since December 2013, when the newly-elected Francis enjoyed a disapproval rating of only 12 percent.

Katie Lippard of Pleasant Ridge said, “I think he’s great”.

However, Fr. Abiero admits he missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime. When the pope came by the family, Francis reached out and lifted the child giving him a hug, a kiss and a blessing.

St. Thomas More Catholic Church Deacon Terry Larbes says despite the setting that message won’t be political.

“I would expect his connection with the faithful here would be very positive, the people already seem very excited that he is coming to be with us and the same connection that has been demonstrated in other circumstances in other parts of the world I’m sure will be repeated and reflected here”.

Pope Francis makes his way to the United States, where his visit includes Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City, where he’ll address more than 160 world leaders and their delegations at the annual United Nations General Assembly.

With his wife and two sons, Gustavo Valdez joined almost 50 South Carolinian Catholics who started a 600-mile trip to Philadelphia for the chance at a glimpse of Pope Francis.

Dr. Clark has observed how the 78-year-old pope has broken protocol with many of his predecessors to remain true to his agenda. “I have no doubt that the Holy Father’s personal invitation to all will be met with a resounding response from Catholics and non-Catholics alike”.

Clearly, a pope’s tone matters, and Francis has made that clear in his remarks on divorce, abortion and homosexuality.

Tim Cullen, Bishop Hoffman Catholic Schools’s superintendent, said the Fremont school district would try to broadcast some of the pope’s public speeches to students. Currently, there are fliers posted all over the city urging people to “rally with Pope Francis in the call to moral action for climate justice”, a topic he will address at the assembly. “Lo and behold, sometimes in the afternoon the spokesperson for the Vatican comes out and says, ‘This is really what was said.’ Sometimes if you get that first copy off the wires, it isn’t quite what the second one said“.

Even before my own conversion, we attended Mass together, sharing as a family the message of hope and love, praying for peace and grace.

One of the issues Brooke senses the Pontiff will touch upon is a reminder to Americans that there is more than just us and that we need to think outside ourselves.