MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Francis leaves Philadelphia with “a heart full of gratitude and hope”
At the airport, Francis thanked all those who worked to prepare for his visit. He said he was leaving the U.S. with “a heart full of gratitude and hope.” 
The farewell party included Vice-President Joe Biden, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf Pope Francis left Philadelphia and is headed back to Rome on Sunday night, bringing his historic trip to the U.S. and Cuba to a close. The pope's airport farewell included appearances from Vice President Joe Biden, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, as well as a performance by a high school band.
After Francis boarded the American Airlines plane, he gave one last wave to the American people through the window.
In his final speech at the airport, Francis thanked all those who worked to prepare for his visit. He said he was leaving the U.S. with “a heart full of gratitude and hope.”
Francis' plane took off after a packed Sunday in the City of Brotherly Love. In the morning, he met with bishops, prisoners and victims of clerical sex abuse.
In the afternoon, Francis stopped by Saint Joseph's University, then held an outdoor Mass on Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway, concluding the World Meeting of Families Festival
Francis' trip to the U.S. began in Washington D.C., where he visited the White House and gave a speech to Congress. Francis then flew to New York, where he addressed the United Nations, visited the 9/11 Memorial and held Mass at Madison Square Garden.
In Philadelphia, Francis stood at Independence Hall, where he gave a passionate speech on religious freedom, immigration and tolerance.
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rules-
-
-
Read all commentsThe principles that Pope Francisco has promoted during his visits to Cuba and the U.S. will have lasting ripple effects across the world.
Sep 28th, 2015 - 12:41 pm 0He has indeed marked a path that follows more closely the original principles of the Catholic Church.
That path may transform the institution in a force for change as opposed to past backward, socially conservative stances.
...umm... he's not really that important ... unless you believe in the Sky-Fairy too...
Sep 28th, 2015 - 01:04 pm 0Reekie, he is only saying what the rest of the UK, USA, Oz, NZ, Canada and some European nations have thought and said for years and years. Please dont get carried away.
Sep 28th, 2015 - 02:09 pm 0What is remarkable IS that it comes from an Argentinian!
Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!