Catholics, and even many non-Catholics, were overjoyed with the recent visit to the United States from Pope Francis. Many VHS students kept track of every move during his visit.
Senior Dominique Marino says “his visit brought together hope and inspiration for so many Americans, not just Catholics, and I think that is beautiful.”
Pope Francis kicked his trip off with his arrival in Washington D.C. on September 22. Only spending two days in D.C., the Pope visited Saint Matthew’s Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. During his time in D.C., he addressed Congress, covering many issues including immigration, climate change, and religious freedom. Going against the social norm, Pope Francis declined lunch with Congress to eat with the homeless instead.
Senior James Cuddihy says that his favorite part of Pope Francis’s visit was “that he cares so much about the people that even though he was late for his plane he stayed and talked to them”.
After speaking to the Senate and House of Representatives, meeting with Obama, and attending the Papal Parade, he headed to New York City. In New York on September 25, Pope Francis attended the United Nations General Assembly and celebrated mass at Madison Square Garden. He spoke of Martin Luther King and the importance of dreams to the children at Our Lady Queen of Angels school in East Harlem.
He finally ended his trip in Philadelphia, P.A. where he attended many family events. His visit included the festival of families at Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Papal Mass for world meeting of families, Corron-Formhold correctional facility. The importance of families was a central theme throughout the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia.