Local News
Pope delights Philly crowd with spontaneous talk on families
Pope Francis threw away a prepared text and, to the delight of tens of thousands of people on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, spoke from the heart about the challenges and love that come with being part of a family.
Visiting prison, pope says all people need forgiveness, cleansing
While pilgrims in Philadelphia put up with a long weekend of lines and security checks at the papal venues, the pope reached out to a group of people whose lives are lines and security checks for years at a time.
Religious freedom a running theme through papal remarks, says archbishop
"He spoke about religious freedom as integral to a transcendent human dignity ... as a fundamental good in society," Archbishop Lori told Catholic News Service in a phone interview Sept. 26 as the Festival of Families that evening was getting underway.
Pope’s message on immigrants shows all how to ‘love more, love better’
Waiting for the pope to arrive at Independence Mall for an afternoon address on immigration Sept. 26, Archbishop Garcia-Siller said it will take people working one-on-one with immigrants to help meet the needs of newcomers.
Pope urges U.S. Catholics to keep enthusiasm, welcome newcomers
In just over five full days in the U.S., Pope Francis reaffirmed the importance of church and family life, pleaded for inclusive attitudes toward immigrants, reiterated the right of religious freedom and called for action on climate change and care for creation.
Crowd at papal Mass reflected on ‘little things’ in big weekend
People grappled with trying describe their experience at the papal Mass Sept. 27 in Philadelphia. They vowed to pray for him, as he asked.
Argentine family on 13,000-mile road trip to Philadelphia to see pope
The Walker family departed Buenos Aires, Argentina, in March. Their goal was to reach Pope Francis and the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, with many stops along the way.
Pope meets with clergy abuse victims, says crimes can’t be secret
Pope Francis met with a group of survivors of sexual abuse Sept. 27 and later told bishops that he was overwhelmed by a sense of embarrassment and was committed to holding accountable those who harmed children.
Homily of Pope Francis at Mass on Ben Franklin Parkway
See the full text of the pope's homily on Sunday, Sept. 27 in Philadelphia, and the closing remarks of Archbishop Charles Chaput at the Mass.
Attendees of World Meeting of Families help break Guinness world record
As cheers filled the air on the final day of the World Meeting of Families Sept. 25, a family from Argentina helped push the number of contributors to paint a mural past 2,263 and into the record books.