Posted April 21, 2025
The Holy Father’s two-day apostolic visit to the city 10 years ago to close the World Meeting of Families–Philadelphia 2015 made lasting memories. The following images serve as an invitation to pray for the late pontiff in a traditional Catholic prayer:
Pope Francis greets crowds along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia Sept. 27, 2015. (Photo by D’Mont Reese)
A family speaks with Pope Francis Sept. 26, 2015 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. (Photo by Dave Christenson)
The Bowes family of Northeast Philadelphia welcomes Pope Francis to Philadelphia Sept. 26, 2015. (Photo by Joe Gidjunis)
Pope Francis addresses a capacity congregation Sept. 26, 2015 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. (Photo by Fred Troilo)
Pope Francis speaks with well-wishers upon his departure from Philadelphia Sept. 27, 2015. (Photo by Dave Christenson)
Pope Francis greets a family Sept. 27, 2015 in Philadelphia. (Photo by Dave Christenson)
The motorcade of Pope Francis drives slowly along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia Sept. 26, 2015 as crowds welcome him. (Photo by Joe Bradley/Bradley Digital)
Archbishop Charles Chaput (right) holds up a chalice that was the gift of Pope Francis to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia during his visit Sept. 26, 2015 to the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. (Photo by Fred Troilo)
Pope Francis elevates the eucharistic host during the consecration at Mass Sept. 26, 2015 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. The Mass was concelebrated by many priests and bishops, including from left Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre, Archbishop Charles Chaput and Cardinal Justin Rigali. (Photo by Fred Troilo)
Pope Francis elevates the chalice during the consecration at Mass Sept. 26, 2015 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia as Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre (left) and Archbishop Charles Chaput look on. (Photo by Fred Troilo)
Then-seminarian, now Father Matthew Brody (left) offers Pope Francis a white zucchetto, which he blessed for Father Brody to the delight of the seminarians of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary preparing to serve at the altar for Mass that the pope celebrated Sept. 26, 2015 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.
Pope Francis arrives at Independence Hall in Philadelphia Sept. 26, 2015. (Photo by Dave Christenson)
Pope Francis greets the large crowd assembled Sept. 26, 2015 on Independence Mall in Philadelphia. (Photo by Dave Christenson)
Pope Francis speaks on themes including religious freedom, compassion and immigration Sept. 26, 2015 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. (Photo by Dave Christenson)
Key organizers of the World Meeting of Families–Philadelphia 2015, including Donna Crilley Farrell (left) and Robert Ciaruffoli, welcome Pope Francis to Philadelphia Sept. 26, 2015. (Photo by Joe Gidjunis)
Pope Francis makes an unexpected stop on the tarmac of Philadelphia International Airport Sept. 26, 2015 to greet and bless Michael Keating. (Photo by Joe Gidjunis)
Seminarians of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, along with then-rector Bishop Timothy Senior (left) and Archbishop Charles Chaput, offer a rousing welcome to Pope Francis at the former campus in Wynnewood Sept. 26, 2015. (Photo by Jim Greipp)
Pope Francis greets persons with disabilities at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Sept. 26, 2015. (Photo by Anne Pryce)
Pope Francis visits with men and women prisoners and their families at Curran Fromhold Correctional Facility in Northeast Philadelphia Sept. 27, 2015. (Photo by Kevin Cook)
Pope Francis speaks to the crowds gathered on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia Sept. 26, 2015 for the Festival of Families cultural celebration. (Photo by Gustavo Garcia)
Pope Francis greets children participating in the Festival of Families cultural celebration Sept. 26, 2015 in Philadelphia. (Photo by Gustavo Garcia)
Children of the Bowes family of Northeast Philadelphia give a big hug to Pope Francis, welcoming him to Philadelphia Sept. 26, 2015. (Photo by Joe Gidjunis)
Pope Francis visits Curran Fromhold Correctional Facility in Northeast Philadelphia Sept. 27, 2015. (Photo by Kevin Cook)
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