Pope Francis: “God Bless America!”

Conewago Township resident Arlette Figdore, who along with her husband, Phillip, made the pilgrimage to see Pope Francis in Philadelphia this past weekend, offered an astute observation.

During his remarks at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, Pope Francis gave a shout-out to the nuns in the audience.

The Ordinary Synod on the Family, to be held at the Vatican from October 4 to 25, will mull changes in the Roman Catholic Church’s approach toward Catholics who divorce and then remarry in a civil ceremony. They only caught a glimpse of the pontiff. A few claimed spots along the route as early at 6 a.m.

Immigrant heritage and cultural diversity was the message during Pope Francis’ address at Independence Mall and there was a Michigan native who got to play a role in the festivities.

Juanes spent most of his days in September rehearsing with his band prior to Pope Francis’ historic USA visit.

The 300-member papal choir sang and the Philadelphia Orchestra played as the eucharistic ministers spread among the faithful.

“If a person has done wrong, is conscious of what he has done, and does not say sorry, I ask God to take him into account”. He thanked the pope for bringing his spirit to the city and to the world.

His visit may have been quick, but the impact will be long-lasting.

Pope Francis’ departure leaves behind images of an America where faith triumphs over doubt, goodness and mercy triumph over evil, and love conquers hate. “Don’t forget.” A roar from the crowd followed.

The Pope also reminded the families in attendance that “love is shown by little things, by attention to small daily signs which make us feel at home”.

The rare criticism that Francis did elicit was the omission – from his public agenda at least – of a meeting with victims of paedophile priests, but on Sunday he met privately with five adults who were abused as children.

“I promise that all those responsible for the sexual abuse of children will be punished”, Francis later told a gathering of bishops, saying he felt “deep shame” about the acts.

“This disgrace keeps burdening me, that the people who had the responsibility of caring for these tender ones raped them and caused them great pain”.