Below you will find Pope Francis’ “Prepared Text” for his address at this evening’s celebration of families in Philadelphia. He did not give this prepared address. He spoke completely spontaneously, and quite enthusiastically! A transcript of actual remarks may be found here. Dear Brothers and Sisters, Dear Families, First of Read more
In what will no doubt be one of his most significant addresses of this trip, here is Pope Francis’ address on religious liberty given today at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Dear Friends, One of the highlights of my visit is to stand here, before Independence Hall, the birthplace of the Read more
Once again, hitting many themes near and dear to this papacy, and significant for the well being of the human family, another strong address by our Holy Father. Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for your kind words. Once again, following a tradition by which I feel honored, the Read more
Now in his third full day of this pastoral visit to the United States, our Holy Father is hitting all the right notes in his various homilies and addresses. He is not only the Chief Shepherd of the Church, but a beautiful presence of the Good Shepherd. If there was Read more
Pope Francis continues to inspire and challenge all of us to be better people, and today challenges us to continue to be a nation of dreams for all. Our Holy Father is proving himself not only a Chief Shepherd with the heart of Jesus, but a rare statesman as well! Read more
Yesterday was indeed an inspiring start to the pastoral visit of Pope Francis to the United States. In his remarks to the US Bishops at St. Matthew’s Cathedral he made clear his desire for the people in the United States to know that he comes to embrace each and everyone of Read more
In some ways, one watching today’s Mass on television would never have guessed the Mass took place in the United States. Very little English was used. The Mass was celebrated in Spanish, and most of the prayers and music came from Spanish and other languages. At the same time, it Read more
My dear friends, as this day draws to a close, I sit in a hotel room in Crystal City, (Arlington, VA) just across the street from the apartment complex I lived in when I was an assistant (to the master of all papal visit coordinators, now Bishop Robert N. Lynch Read more
Again this Sunday, we hear from Mark’s Gospel (9: 30-37) more about discipleship. The opening line of today’s Scripture passage gives the first subtle point: “They left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it.” (Mark 9:30) This journey with Read more
As the people of Cuba and the United States await the arrival of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, we pray for his safety and health during his days in our midst. We pray that hearts and minds may be open to receive his instructions, and no doubt, at times, a challenging message. Read more