Local News

Six families received Gospels from pope at Philadelphia Mass

In addition to sending thousands of copies of the Gospel of Luke, the Vatican is providing 6,000 Syrian families with heating assistance during the upcoming winter.

‘God pulls beauty out of the ashes,’ those struggling with divorce told

A show of hands from those gathered at author Rose Sweet's session at the World Meeting of Families illustrated that she was giving her message to those who needed it.

The cardinal and the pastor urge emphasizing the positive

Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston and evangelical pastor Rick Warren said in their joint keynote speech that joy in family life is among the most powerful tools to take Jesus to others.

Street cop says crowds for pope prompted frustration, but excitement too

Anyone who attended the pope's visit to Philadelphia Sept. 26-27 could not help but notice the massive security apparatus that was set up around the events.

Watching papal Mass in their church, parishioners join in spirit

While thousands of people attended the papal Mass last Sunday in Philadelphia, many other Catholics across the archdiocese stayed close to home to view the Mass on a widescreen TV in their parish church.

Text of Pope Francis’ talk with Philadelphia prisioners

Read the address of the pope during his visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Northeast Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 27.

Text of papal address to bishops at St. Charles Seminary

Read Pope Francis' speech to bishops on Sunday at the seminary, in which he said "God weeps" over the sexual abuse of children, which "must no longer be held in secret," he said. He also called for pastors to tenderly "waste time" with families.

Connecticut composer’s song performed at closing Mass in Philadelphia

A song by composer Julian Revie, who has "been performing pretty much weekly" as a church organist since he was 11, was performed at the closing Mass of the World Meeting of Families Sept. 27 in Philadelphia.

Text of pope’s talk at Festival of Families

Read excerpts of Pope Francis' impromptu remarks -- he departed from a prepared speech -- at Saturday night's Festival of Families in Philadelphia.

Dublin to host next World Meeting of Families — in 2018

Irish pilgrims in Philadelphia shared their excitement after Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, announced the 2018 World Meeting of Families would be held in Dublin.