Billed as an “expression of gratitude,” Pope Francis met with about 400 organizers, supporters and selected volunteers of the World Meeting of Families on Sunday evening, Sept. 27 at Philadelphia International Airport’s Atlantic Aviation hangar. After the ceremony which included Vice President Joe Biden and Archbishop Charles Chaput, the pope boarded his plane at about 7:45 p.m. for the flight back to Rome.
Pope Francis offers a blessing for Archbishop Charles Chaput and the other guests of the airport ceremony before departing for Rome. (Photo by Bradley Digital)
(Photo by Bradley Digital)
Eustace Mita, a key fundraiser for the World Meeting of Families, speaks to guests at the ceremony. (Photo by Bradley Digital)
(Photo by Bradley Digital)
Pope Francis prepares to depart for his plane. (Photo by Bradley Digital)
Pope Francis is greeted by Vice President Joe Biden. (Photo by Bradley Digital)
Archbishop Charles Chaput thanks Pope Francis for his trip to Philadelphia and the United States before he departs for Rome. (Photo by Bradley Digital)
(Photo by Bradley Digital)
Guests at the ceremony included bishops, cardinals and lay leaders of the World Meeting of Families. (Photo by Bradley Digital)
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