Pope Francis stops car in Philadelphia to bless child in wheelchair

Peter and Paul. Approximately 1,600 people were in attendance, according to the Associated Press.

“This will require creativity in adapting to changed situations, carrying forward the legacy of the past not primarily by maintaining our structures and institutions, which have served us well, but above all by being open to the possibilities which the Spirit opens up to us and communicating the joy of the Gospel, daily and in every season of our life”, the pope said.

He has made similar comments in the past, but has rejected the idea of ordaining women.

“We just saw the pope!” one shouted.

Pope Francis has called on women and young people to do more to strengthen the Roman Catholic Church in America, while keeping the institution’s existing authority in place.

Among those greeting Francis at the airport was Richard Bowes, a former Philadelphia police officer wounded in the line of duty seven years ago.

A Catholic school band greeted him on the tarmac with the playing of the theme song from the film Rocky, which has become a symbol of the city.

After welcome speeches by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, Pope Francis gave a speech in front of Independence Hall that touched on the sensitive subject of immigration.

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”. The weekend’s events will culminate in an outdoor Mass Sunday evening for 1 million people.

It will be the last major event of his USA visit before he leaves that night for Rome.

Pope Francis and an admiring throng of thousands get to enjoy a little music from the Queen of Soul and other star performers in rounding out his first day in Philadelphia on his first-ever USA tour.

Bishop Robert P. Deeley of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland visited a famed Polish-American shrine, founded in the early 1950s, for a special Mass on Saturday. He’s not scripted. He’s relatable.

Pope Francis waves from inside his auto after arriving at Philadelphia worldwide Airport in Philadelphia, Saturday, September 26, 2015. “People feel he’s honest and he’s genuine”.

“It’s probably not politicians who will remember his message but the kids”, said Liza Stephens, 48, of Sacramento, California, who was in Philadelphia with her two daughters, aged 10 and 12. The three spent time volunteering to bag food for Africa, among other activities at the family conference.

The pope is widely expected to talk privately with abuse victims this weekend.

He specifically emphasized the importance of religious freedom, “a fundamental right which shapes the way we interact socially and personally with our neighbours whose religious views differ from our own”.

“Any opportunity to promote Philadelphia, that’s what we do”, said manager Brien Murphy, who lived in Norfolk as a small child. He recently wrote in the archdiocese newspaper that abortion is “a uniquely wicked act” that can not be seen as one sin among many.

Francis reminded the large contingent of Hispanics in the crowd: “You bring many gifts to your new nation”.

Looking out at fellow attendees, she said she could see flags from all over the world, a reflection of the pope’s impact on the hearts of men and women across the globe.