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| Pope Francis declares Junípero Serra a saint on surprisingly political visit to DC – live | Pope Francis declares Junípero Serra a saint on surprisingly political visit to DC – live |
| (18 days later) | |
| 11.49pm BST | |
| 23:49 | |
| Junipero Serra sainted, pope speaks on climate change and celebrates response to abuse | Junipero Serra sainted, pope speaks on climate change and celebrates response to abuse |
| Pope Francis didn’t take a break on his first day in the US. Here’s the day’s events: | Pope Francis didn’t take a break on his first day in the US. Here’s the day’s events: |
| Thanks very much for joining us on the Guardian’s PopeBlog. Tomorrow Pope Francis will address a joint session of Congress – it should be another busy day for the 78-year-old pontiff. See you then. | Thanks very much for joining us on the Guardian’s PopeBlog. Tomorrow Pope Francis will address a joint session of Congress – it should be another busy day for the 78-year-old pontiff. See you then. |
| 11.21pm BST | |
| 23:21 | |
| And the mass has ended. The pope and his entourage depart. | And the mass has ended. The pope and his entourage depart. |
| And another observation from papal biographer Austen Ivereigh, who has been the best commentator on Twitter during the tour: | And another observation from papal biographer Austen Ivereigh, who has been the best commentator on Twitter during the tour: |
| Pope places Rosary on statue of Virgin — and touches the statue. His sciatica looks bad. He needs prayers of San Junípero. | Pope places Rosary on statue of Virgin — and touches the statue. His sciatica looks bad. He needs prayers of San Junípero. |
| Updated | |
| at 11.23pm BST | |
| 11.17pm BST | |
| 23:17 | |
| Applause, shouts of Viva! and a standing ovation led by Vice-President Joe Biden. | Applause, shouts of Viva! and a standing ovation led by Vice-President Joe Biden. |
| 11.16pm BST | |
| 23:16 | |
| After communion, Cardinal Wuerl stands to address the pope. He calls the pastoral visit a “blessing for all of us”. | After communion, Cardinal Wuerl stands to address the pope. He calls the pastoral visit a “blessing for all of us”. |
| Wuerl reflects on the multicultural characteristics of the church and on Junipero Serra, who, he says, “offers us an example of the tireless effort to share the gospel, as we seek today to enrich our culture with the love of God and love of neighbor”. | Wuerl reflects on the multicultural characteristics of the church and on Junipero Serra, who, he says, “offers us an example of the tireless effort to share the gospel, as we seek today to enrich our culture with the love of God and love of neighbor”. |
| “We also try to care for our common home, the good earth. All of us at this mass profess our faith and strive to live it in service and love. We take seriously your call in Laudato Si’ to face the challenges of our day ...” | “We also try to care for our common home, the good earth. All of us at this mass profess our faith and strive to live it in service and love. We take seriously your call in Laudato Si’ to face the challenges of our day ...” |
| 11.09pm BST | |
| 23:09 | |
| Holy communion is still being distributed. The mammoth congregation means it is taking a very long time. | Holy communion is still being distributed. The mammoth congregation means it is taking a very long time. |
| 11.05pm BST | |
| 23:05 | |
| Here’s a lovely gallery of Pope Francis’s devotees. | Here’s a lovely gallery of Pope Francis’s devotees. |
| Related: Pope Francis fans gather in Washington DC for parade – in pictures | Related: Pope Francis fans gather in Washington DC for parade – in pictures |
| 11.01pm BST | |
| 23:01 | |
| An interesting note on translations from papal biographer Austen Ivereigh: | An interesting note on translations from papal biographer Austen Ivereigh: |
| A jarring note. Pope at Serra Mass using the Spanish 2nd pers plural forms (tomad .. bebed) rather than Latin-American (tomen.. beban). | A jarring note. Pope at Serra Mass using the Spanish 2nd pers plural forms (tomad .. bebed) rather than Latin-American (tomen.. beban). |
| 10.52pm BST | |
| 22:52 | |
| Junipero Serra, sainted by the pope today, is subject of one of USA's most hideous statues. http://t.co/mEAQxObBCx pic.twitter.com/H66PpbJMbZ | Junipero Serra, sainted by the pope today, is subject of one of USA's most hideous statues. http://t.co/mEAQxObBCx pic.twitter.com/H66PpbJMbZ |
| 10.42pm BST | |
| 22:42 | |
| 10.41pm BST | |
| 22:41 | |
| This part of the mass will take a while – if you’re not into liturgy, now’s a good time to take the dog for a run around the block or something. Take your phone with you though, in case there’s more live updates. | This part of the mass will take a while – if you’re not into liturgy, now’s a good time to take the dog for a run around the block or something. Take your phone with you though, in case there’s more live updates. |
| 10.33pm BST | |
| 22:33 | |
| Pope Francis calls the congregation to prayer before the second half of the mass, the eucharistic rite, where he will consecrate the bread and wine to become, Catholics believe, the body and blood of Jesus Christ. | Pope Francis calls the congregation to prayer before the second half of the mass, the eucharistic rite, where he will consecrate the bread and wine to become, Catholics believe, the body and blood of Jesus Christ. |
| 10.29pm BST | |
| 22:29 | |
| Pope Francis: Junipero Serra 'sought to defend the dignity of the native community' | Pope Francis: Junipero Serra 'sought to defend the dignity of the native community' |
| During his canonization mass, the pope described Junipero Serra as the “embodiment of ‘a Church which goes forth’, a Church which sets out to bring everywhere the reconciling tenderness of God”. | During his canonization mass, the pope described Junipero Serra as the “embodiment of ‘a Church which goes forth’, a Church which sets out to bring everywhere the reconciling tenderness of God”. |
| But he is not known for his tenderness in the Native American community. As Rose Aguilar, a descendant of the Pomo tribe of Northern California, wrote in Comment is Free yesterday, Serra “oversaw the whipping, beating, flogging and extermination of Native Americans in what is now California”. | But he is not known for his tenderness in the Native American community. As Rose Aguilar, a descendant of the Pomo tribe of Northern California, wrote in Comment is Free yesterday, Serra “oversaw the whipping, beating, flogging and extermination of Native Americans in what is now California”. |
| Despite these concerns, which have been voiced repeatedly in recent weeks, Pope Francis insisted “Junipero sought to defend the dignity of the native community, to protect it from those who had mistreated it and abused it”. | Despite these concerns, which have been voiced repeatedly in recent weeks, Pope Francis insisted “Junipero sought to defend the dignity of the native community, to protect it from those who had mistreated it and abused it”. |
| Aguilar has called on the pope to “meet with members of the California’s tribes, acknowledge these atrocities and allow healing and reconciliation to begin”. | Aguilar has called on the pope to “meet with members of the California’s tribes, acknowledge these atrocities and allow healing and reconciliation to begin”. |
| From Amana Fontanella-Khan. | From Amana Fontanella-Khan. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.30pm BST | |
| 10.24pm BST | |
| 22:24 | |
| Pope Francis's homily for the canonization of Junipero Serra – full text | Pope Francis's homily for the canonization of Junipero Serra – full text |
| Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again, rejoice! These are striking words, words which impact our lives. Paul tells us to rejoice; he practically orders us to rejoice. This command resonates with the desire we all have for a fulfilling life, a meaningful life, a joyful life. | Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again, rejoice! These are striking words, words which impact our lives. Paul tells us to rejoice; he practically orders us to rejoice. This command resonates with the desire we all have for a fulfilling life, a meaningful life, a joyful life. |
| It is as if Paul could hear what each one of us is thinking in his or her heart and to voice what we are feeling, what we are experiencing. Something deep within us invites us to rejoice and tells us not to settle for placebos which simply keep us comfortable. At the same time, though, we all know the struggles of everyday life. | It is as if Paul could hear what each one of us is thinking in his or her heart and to voice what we are feeling, what we are experiencing. Something deep within us invites us to rejoice and tells us not to settle for placebos which simply keep us comfortable. At the same time, though, we all know the struggles of everyday life. |
| So much seems to stand in the way of this invitation to rejoice. Our daily routine can often lead us to a kind of glum apathy which gradually becomes a habit, with a fatal consequence: our hearts grow numb. We don’t want apathy to guide our lives … or do we? We don’t want the force of habit to rule our life … or do we? So we ought to ask ourselves: What can we do to keep our heart from growing numb, becoming anesthetized? How do we make the joy of the Gospel increase and take deeper root in our lives? | So much seems to stand in the way of this invitation to rejoice. Our daily routine can often lead us to a kind of glum apathy which gradually becomes a habit, with a fatal consequence: our hearts grow numb. We don’t want apathy to guide our lives … or do we? We don’t want the force of habit to rule our life … or do we? So we ought to ask ourselves: What can we do to keep our heart from growing numb, becoming anesthetized? How do we make the joy of the Gospel increase and take deeper root in our lives? |
| Jesus gives the answer. He said to his disciples then and he says it to us now: Go forth! Proclaim! The joy of the Gospel is something to be experienced, something to be known and lived only through giving it away, through giving ourselves away. | Jesus gives the answer. He said to his disciples then and he says it to us now: Go forth! Proclaim! The joy of the Gospel is something to be experienced, something to be known and lived only through giving it away, through giving ourselves away. |
| The spirit of the world tells us to be like everyone else, to settle for what comes easy. Faced with this human way of thinking, “we must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and for the world” (Laudato Si’, 229). It is the responsibility to proclaim the message of Jesus. For the source of our joy is “an endless desire to show mercy, the fruit of our own experience of the power of the Father’s infinite mercy” (Evangelii Gaudium, 24). | The spirit of the world tells us to be like everyone else, to settle for what comes easy. Faced with this human way of thinking, “we must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and for the world” (Laudato Si’, 229). It is the responsibility to proclaim the message of Jesus. For the source of our joy is “an endless desire to show mercy, the fruit of our own experience of the power of the Father’s infinite mercy” (Evangelii Gaudium, 24). |
| Go out to all, proclaim by anointing and anoint by proclaiming. This is what the Lord tells us today. He tells us: A Christian finds joy in mission: Go out to people of every nation! A Christian experiences joy in following a command: Go forth and proclaim the good news! A Christian finds ever new joy in answering a call: Go forth and anoint! | Go out to all, proclaim by anointing and anoint by proclaiming. This is what the Lord tells us today. He tells us: A Christian finds joy in mission: Go out to people of every nation! A Christian experiences joy in following a command: Go forth and proclaim the good news! A Christian finds ever new joy in answering a call: Go forth and anoint! |
| Jesus sends his disciples out to all nations. To every people. We too were part of all those people of two thousand years ago. Jesus did not provide a short list of who is, or is not, worthy of receiving his message, his presence. Instead, he always embraced life as he saw it. In faces of pain, hunger, sickness and sin. In faces of wounds, of thirst, of weariness, doubt and pity. Far from expecting a pretty life, smartly-dressed and neatly groomed, he embraced life as he found it. It made no difference whether it was dirty, unkempt, broken. | Jesus sends his disciples out to all nations. To every people. We too were part of all those people of two thousand years ago. Jesus did not provide a short list of who is, or is not, worthy of receiving his message, his presence. Instead, he always embraced life as he saw it. In faces of pain, hunger, sickness and sin. In faces of wounds, of thirst, of weariness, doubt and pity. Far from expecting a pretty life, smartly-dressed and neatly groomed, he embraced life as he found it. It made no difference whether it was dirty, unkempt, broken. |
| Jesus said: Go out and tell the good news to everyone. Go out and in my name embrace life as it is, and not as you think it should be. Go out to the highways and byways, go out to tell the good news fearlessly, without prejudice, without superiority, without condescension, to all those who have lost the joy of living. Go out to proclaim the merciful embrace of the Father. Go out to those who are burdened by pain and failure, who feel that their lives are empty, and proclaim the folly of a loving Father who wants to anoint them with the oil of hope, the oil of salvation. | Jesus said: Go out and tell the good news to everyone. Go out and in my name embrace life as it is, and not as you think it should be. Go out to the highways and byways, go out to tell the good news fearlessly, without prejudice, without superiority, without condescension, to all those who have lost the joy of living. Go out to proclaim the merciful embrace of the Father. Go out to those who are burdened by pain and failure, who feel that their lives are empty, and proclaim the folly of a loving Father who wants to anoint them with the oil of hope, the oil of salvation. |
| Go out to proclaim the good news that error, deceitful illusions and falsehoods do not have the last word in a person’s life. Go out with the ointment which soothes wounds and heals hearts. Mission is never the fruit of a perfectly planned program or a well-organized manual. Mission is always the fruit of a life which knows what it is to be found and healed, encountered and forgiven. Mission is born of a constant experience of God’s merciful anointing. | Go out to proclaim the good news that error, deceitful illusions and falsehoods do not have the last word in a person’s life. Go out with the ointment which soothes wounds and heals hearts. Mission is never the fruit of a perfectly planned program or a well-organized manual. Mission is always the fruit of a life which knows what it is to be found and healed, encountered and forgiven. Mission is born of a constant experience of God’s merciful anointing. |
| The Church, the holy People of God, treads the dust-laden paths of history, so often traversed by conflict, injustice and violence, in order to encounter her children, our brothers and sisters. The holy and faithful People of God are not afraid of losing their way; they are afraid of becoming self-enclosed, frozen into élites, clinging to their own security. They know that self-enclosure, in all the many forms it takes, is the cause of so much apathy. | The Church, the holy People of God, treads the dust-laden paths of history, so often traversed by conflict, injustice and violence, in order to encounter her children, our brothers and sisters. The holy and faithful People of God are not afraid of losing their way; they are afraid of becoming self-enclosed, frozen into élites, clinging to their own security. They know that self-enclosure, in all the many forms it takes, is the cause of so much apathy. |
| So let us go out, let us go forth to offer everyone the life of Jesus Christ (Evangelii Gaudium, 49). The People of God can embrace everyone because we are the disciples of the One who knelt before his own to wash their feet (ibid., 24). The reason we are here today is that many other people wanted to respond to that call. They believed that “life grows by being given away, and it weakens in isolation and comfort” (Aparecida Document, 360). | So let us go out, let us go forth to offer everyone the life of Jesus Christ (Evangelii Gaudium, 49). The People of God can embrace everyone because we are the disciples of the One who knelt before his own to wash their feet (ibid., 24). The reason we are here today is that many other people wanted to respond to that call. They believed that “life grows by being given away, and it weakens in isolation and comfort” (Aparecida Document, 360). |
| We are heirs to the bold missionary spirit of so many men and women who preferred not to be “shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security … within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving” (Evangelii Gaudium, 49). We are indebted to a tradition, a chain of witnesses who have made it possible for the good news of the Gospel to be, in every generation, both “good” and “news”. | We are heirs to the bold missionary spirit of so many men and women who preferred not to be “shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security … within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving” (Evangelii Gaudium, 49). We are indebted to a tradition, a chain of witnesses who have made it possible for the good news of the Gospel to be, in every generation, both “good” and “news”. |
| Today we remember one of those witnesses who testified to the joy of the Gospel in these lands, Father Junípero Serra. He was the embodiment of “a Church which goes forth”, a Church which sets out to bring everywhere the reconciling tenderness of God. | Today we remember one of those witnesses who testified to the joy of the Gospel in these lands, Father Junípero Serra. He was the embodiment of “a Church which goes forth”, a Church which sets out to bring everywhere the reconciling tenderness of God. |
| Junípero Serra left his native land and its way of life. He was excited about blazing trails, going forth to meet many people, learning and valuing their particular customs and ways of life. He learned how to bring to birth and nurture God’s life in the faces of everyone he met; he made them his brothers and sisters. Junípero sought to defend the dignity of the native community, to protect it from those who had mistreated and abused it. Mistreatment and wrongs which today still trouble us, especially because of the hurt which they cause in the lives of many people. | Junípero Serra left his native land and its way of life. He was excited about blazing trails, going forth to meet many people, learning and valuing their particular customs and ways of life. He learned how to bring to birth and nurture God’s life in the faces of everyone he met; he made them his brothers and sisters. Junípero sought to defend the dignity of the native community, to protect it from those who had mistreated and abused it. Mistreatment and wrongs which today still trouble us, especially because of the hurt which they cause in the lives of many people. |
| Father Serra had a motto which inspired his life and work, a saying he lived his life by: siempre adelante! Keep moving forward! For him, this was the way to continue experiencing the joy of the Gospel, to keep his heart from growing numb, from being anesthetized. He kept moving forward, because the Lord was waiting. He kept going, because his brothers and sisters were waiting. He kept going forward to the end of his life. Today, like him, may we be able to say: Forward! Let’s keep moving forward! | Father Serra had a motto which inspired his life and work, a saying he lived his life by: siempre adelante! Keep moving forward! For him, this was the way to continue experiencing the joy of the Gospel, to keep his heart from growing numb, from being anesthetized. He kept moving forward, because the Lord was waiting. He kept going, because his brothers and sisters were waiting. He kept going forward to the end of his life. Today, like him, may we be able to say: Forward! Let’s keep moving forward! |
| 10.21pm BST | |
| 22:21 | |
| First reading at the Mass & canonization of Junipero Serra was in chochenyo, a Native American language #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/9P2myoWpPX | First reading at the Mass & canonization of Junipero Serra was in chochenyo, a Native American language #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/9P2myoWpPX |
| 10.08pm BST | |
| 22:08 | |
| And just now from Halima Kazem, who is in California: | And just now from Halima Kazem, who is in California: |
| The basilica bells just rang, turning Carmel Mission into an official shrine of a saint. | The basilica bells just rang, turning Carmel Mission into an official shrine of a saint. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.12pm BST | |
| 10.06pm BST | |
| 22:06 | |
| Halima Kazem reports that anti-canonization protests have grown larger at the mission where newly-minted saint Junipero Serra is buried: | Halima Kazem reports that anti-canonization protests have grown larger at the mission where newly-minted saint Junipero Serra is buried: |
| The circle of native Americans and their supporters is growing in the Mission Cemetery. There almost 40 protestors burning sage and sharing personal stories of how they discovered the dark history of the California missions. | The circle of native Americans and their supporters is growing in the Mission Cemetery. There almost 40 protestors burning sage and sharing personal stories of how they discovered the dark history of the California missions. |
| “My family went into the basilica to take part in the Serra ceremony but I wanted to come in here and pray with you all,” a 17-year-old protester said. “California schools and even the Catholic school that my sister attends here don’t teach the real history of what happened to the native Americans.” | “My family went into the basilica to take part in the Serra ceremony but I wanted to come in here and pray with you all,” a 17-year-old protester said. “California schools and even the Catholic school that my sister attends here don’t teach the real history of what happened to the native Americans.” |
| Caroline Ward Holland and her son Kagan arrived this morning at Mission Carmel after walking a 650-mile pilgrimage to each of the 21 California Missions, to “honor the Indigenous ancestors who suffered and perished in the Mission system and assert California Indian rejection of sainthood for Junipero Serra.” | Caroline Ward Holland and her son Kagan arrived this morning at Mission Carmel after walking a 650-mile pilgrimage to each of the 21 California Missions, to “honor the Indigenous ancestors who suffered and perished in the Mission system and assert California Indian rejection of sainthood for Junipero Serra.” |
| “It was powerful to walk the paths that my ancestors walked but they walked with chains on and they were whipped by missionaries,” said Caroline Holland. | “It was powerful to walk the paths that my ancestors walked but they walked with chains on and they were whipped by missionaries,” said Caroline Holland. |
| Bill Reichmuth, Mission Carmel’s deacon, walked by the native American protest after the service inside the basilica and asked a guard what the protesters were doing. He returned to the basilica without addressing the protesters. | Bill Reichmuth, Mission Carmel’s deacon, walked by the native American protest after the service inside the basilica and asked a guard what the protesters were doing. He returned to the basilica without addressing the protesters. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.15pm BST | |
| 10.01pm BST | |
| 22:01 | |
| Probably not the only one. | Probably not the only one. |
| Wishing I had paid more attention in Spanish class about now #PopeInUS #PopeInDC | Wishing I had paid more attention in Spanish class about now #PopeInUS #PopeInDC |
| 9.57pm BST | |
| 21:57 | |
| .@Cardinal_Wuerl asks @Pontifex is the church can proclaim controversial Fr. Junipero Serra's sainthood. Yes. pic.twitter.com/bvrYFGPRFo | .@Cardinal_Wuerl asks @Pontifex is the church can proclaim controversial Fr. Junipero Serra's sainthood. Yes. pic.twitter.com/bvrYFGPRFo |
| 9.54pm BST | |
| 21:54 | |
| Junipero Serra declared a saint | Junipero Serra declared a saint |
| Pope Francis: | Pope Francis: |
| Having given mature deliberation and having begged the help of divine grace, and the opinion of many of our brothers, blessed Junipero Serra we discern and define to be a saint and we inscribe him in the catalogue of saints, establishing him in the universal church among the saints who should be appealed to with devotion. | Having given mature deliberation and having begged the help of divine grace, and the opinion of many of our brothers, blessed Junipero Serra we discern and define to be a saint and we inscribe him in the catalogue of saints, establishing him in the universal church among the saints who should be appealed to with devotion. |
| And the relics are presented, including by a man wearing what appears to be Native American dress. | And the relics are presented, including by a man wearing what appears to be Native American dress. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.57pm BST | |
| 9.47pm BST | |
| 21:47 | |
| Now there’s a long litany of the saints, a repetitive sung prayer that invokes many saints to pray for the congregation. It’s in Latin, so the response ora pro nobis (pray for us) is sung after each name. | Now there’s a long litany of the saints, a repetitive sung prayer that invokes many saints to pray for the congregation. It’s in Latin, so the response ora pro nobis (pray for us) is sung after each name. |
| 9.42pm BST | |
| 21:42 | |
| The biography of Junipero Serra read in Spanish to the pope emphasizes the “voluntary” nature of his mission, and his opposition to violence and unjust authority. | The biography of Junipero Serra read in Spanish to the pope emphasizes the “voluntary” nature of his mission, and his opposition to violence and unjust authority. |
| In the photo, the brown-robed religious brother is a Franciscan, from the same order as Serra. | In the photo, the brown-robed religious brother is a Franciscan, from the same order as Serra. |
| Updated | |
| at 9.43pm BST | |
| 9.28pm BST | |
| 21:28 | |
| And the first canonization on US soil begins with much pomp and ceremony. Pope Francis looks very fatigued and is leaning heavily on his crozier and the handrail on his way to the altar. | And the first canonization on US soil begins with much pomp and ceremony. Pope Francis looks very fatigued and is leaning heavily on his crozier and the handrail on his way to the altar. |
| 9.21pm BST | |
| 21:21 | |
| Religious sisters were going absolutely wild for the pontiff as he entered the basilica a few moments ago. | Religious sisters were going absolutely wild for the pontiff as he entered the basilica a few moments ago. |
| 9.16pm BST | |
| 21:16 | |
| The pope has entered the basilica to prepare for the canonization mass. This icon is apparently referred to as “touchdown Jesus” by local priests and seminarians. | The pope has entered the basilica to prepare for the canonization mass. This icon is apparently referred to as “touchdown Jesus” by local priests and seminarians. |
| 9.09pm BST | |
| 21:09 | |
| From my colleague Angela Bruno here in NYC: | From my colleague Angela Bruno here in NYC: |
| Pope Francis’ controversial canonization of Junipero Serra, an 18th-century Spanish friar who the Church credits for converting the indigenous people of California – and who others see as a brutal colonizer – has given rise to the #SerraisnoSaint movement on Twitter. | Pope Francis’ controversial canonization of Junipero Serra, an 18th-century Spanish friar who the Church credits for converting the indigenous people of California – and who others see as a brutal colonizer – has given rise to the #SerraisnoSaint movement on Twitter. |
| The hashtag and voices of protest have been gaining traction all day in the lead up to today’s canonization ceremony at the Basilicia of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. | The hashtag and voices of protest have been gaining traction all day in the lead up to today’s canonization ceremony at the Basilicia of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. |
| In this Guardian Comment is Free piece, contributor Rose Aguilar argues that the Pope should not grant sainthood to Serra and points to the numbers history often wants to obscure: | In this Guardian Comment is Free piece, contributor Rose Aguilar argues that the Pope should not grant sainthood to Serra and points to the numbers history often wants to obscure: |
| As a result of enslavement, malnutrition and the introduction of diseases, the missions were responsible for the deaths of 62,000 indigenous Californians from 1769 to 1833. | As a result of enslavement, malnutrition and the introduction of diseases, the missions were responsible for the deaths of 62,000 indigenous Californians from 1769 to 1833. |
| Aguilar goes on to say, “This genocide is just another disgraceful example of Native American history that is forgotten, whitewashed or ignored.” | Aguilar goes on to say, “This genocide is just another disgraceful example of Native American history that is forgotten, whitewashed or ignored.” |
| In May during his visit to Bolivia, Pope Francis apologized “not only for the offenses of the church herself, but also for crimes committed against the native peoples during the so-called conquest of America.” | In May during his visit to Bolivia, Pope Francis apologized “not only for the offenses of the church herself, but also for crimes committed against the native peoples during the so-called conquest of America.” |
| This apology now seems at odds with his push to grant Serra sainthood—and the people of Twitter have taken notice. Here’s what they have to say. | This apology now seems at odds with his push to grant Serra sainthood—and the people of Twitter have taken notice. Here’s what they have to say. |
| An apology is worthless without self-correction and reconciliation. @pontifex's actions speak louder than his words. #SerraisnoSaint | An apology is worthless without self-correction and reconciliation. @pontifex's actions speak louder than his words. #SerraisnoSaint |
| Canonizing #Serra is legitimizing colonization and GENOCIDE of Natives. No haggling room on this. @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/9XUmb2lTgs | Canonizing #Serra is legitimizing colonization and GENOCIDE of Natives. No haggling room on this. @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/9XUmb2lTgs |
| @donlemon here's Serra's own words, you tell me does this sound like a man who defended NA rights? #SerraIsNoSaint pic.twitter.com/BsFeLF98Fk | @donlemon here's Serra's own words, you tell me does this sound like a man who defended NA rights? #SerraIsNoSaint pic.twitter.com/BsFeLF98Fk |
| 9.04pm BST | |
| 21:04 | |
| A bit of trivia: the altar the mass will be said on is actually made from wood treated to look like marble. It was made by a local Catholic deacon and carpenter, and will become the main altar of the basilica after the canonization. | A bit of trivia: the altar the mass will be said on is actually made from wood treated to look like marble. It was made by a local Catholic deacon and carpenter, and will become the main altar of the basilica after the canonization. |
| Also, there’s a LOT of security at this event. Take a look at all those bodyguards. | Also, there’s a LOT of security at this event. Take a look at all those bodyguards. |
| 8.56pm BST | |
| 20:56 | |
| My colleague Rory Carroll is at the basilica for the canonization: | My colleague Rory Carroll is at the basilica for the canonization: |
| Nicole and Nathan Lynch joined the throngs at the canonization mass on Wednesday to see the pope who has helped woo them back to the Catholic church. | Nicole and Nathan Lynch joined the throngs at the canonization mass on Wednesday to see the pope who has helped woo them back to the Catholic church. |
| “He’s bringing a lot more people back to the faith. He’s definitely drawing us closer,” said Nathan, 40, a sales manager for medical devices. | “He’s bringing a lot more people back to the faith. He’s definitely drawing us closer,” said Nathan, 40, a sales manager for medical devices. |
| The US’s church’s hard line on social issues had alienated the couple, he said. “We struggled with it for years. It didn’t add up with the secular world.” | The US’s church’s hard line on social issues had alienated the couple, he said. “We struggled with it for years. It didn’t add up with the secular world.” |
| Francis changed that: “For the first time in my life here’s a pope I can connect with. I feel we’re on a similar level – he’s a lot more engaging and inclusive than folks in the past.” | Francis changed that: “For the first time in my life here’s a pope I can connect with. I feel we’re on a similar level – he’s a lot more engaging and inclusive than folks in the past.” |
| Nicole, 37, a homemaker, agreed. “He’s a lot more welcoming,” she said. | Nicole, 37, a homemaker, agreed. “He’s a lot more welcoming,” she said. |
| They spoke at the Catholic University in Washington where Francis was due to make Junipero Serra, a Spanish missionary, a saint in a mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the first canonization on US soil. | They spoke at the Catholic University in Washington where Francis was due to make Junipero Serra, a Spanish missionary, a saint in a mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the first canonization on US soil. |
| However the couple, from northern Virginia, disagreed with each other on some of the pope’s views, such as man-made climate change imperilling future generations. | However the couple, from northern Virginia, disagreed with each other on some of the pope’s views, such as man-made climate change imperilling future generations. |
| “Yeah, I’m going with that,” said Nicole. Nathan was less sure. “I don’t know. It’s tricky, there’s good science on both sides.” | “Yeah, I’m going with that,” said Nicole. Nathan was less sure. “I don’t know. It’s tricky, there’s good science on both sides.” |
| Nicole lauded Francis’s advocacy for immigrant rights in the midst of the GOP presidential primary campaign. “No better time for him to do it. I think it’s great.” | Nicole lauded Francis’s advocacy for immigrant rights in the midst of the GOP presidential primary campaign. “No better time for him to do it. I think it’s great.” |
| She also welcomed Francis’s gentler tone on social issues such as abortion and divorce. “It’s lovely. It’s a way to be more loving and tolerant of others, especially for those of us raising children in the faith.” | She also welcomed Francis’s gentler tone on social issues such as abortion and divorce. “It’s lovely. It’s a way to be more loving and tolerant of others, especially for those of us raising children in the faith.” |
| If given the opportunity to speak to the pontiff she would ask him to pray for their four children. Nathan said he would thank Francis. “Thank him for taking on the responsibility. For looking at things in a different light.” | If given the opportunity to speak to the pontiff she would ask him to pray for their four children. Nathan said he would thank Francis. “Thank him for taking on the responsibility. For looking at things in a different light.” |
| Updated | |
| at 8.58pm BST | |
| 8.51pm BST | |
| 20:51 | |
| At the basilica for the canonization: | At the basilica for the canonization: |
| Priests and bishops outside Basilica in DC waiting for @Pontifex's Mass. #popeinus pic.twitter.com/7tGcf3B0i2 | Priests and bishops outside Basilica in DC waiting for @Pontifex's Mass. #popeinus pic.twitter.com/7tGcf3B0i2 |
| 8.48pm BST | |
| 20:48 | |
| Cardinal Wuerl is speaking on EWTN and he says holding Junipero Serra’s mass in Spanish is just “recognising a fact of life” about the US church’s lay faithful and clergy. | Cardinal Wuerl is speaking on EWTN and he says holding Junipero Serra’s mass in Spanish is just “recognising a fact of life” about the US church’s lay faithful and clergy. |
| Interestingly, host Raymond Arroyo wondered whether Pope Francis’s decision would be seen as a statement: that Spanish-speaking Americans have a claim to the US as valid as those who speak English. | Interestingly, host Raymond Arroyo wondered whether Pope Francis’s decision would be seen as a statement: that Spanish-speaking Americans have a claim to the US as valid as those who speak English. |
| 8.45pm BST | |
| 20:45 | |
| Sister Simon from the Nuns on the Bus checks in, regarding child sexual abuse: | Sister Simon from the Nuns on the Bus checks in, regarding child sexual abuse: |
| I’m glad Pope Francis lifted up the scandals. It’s the current crisis confronting our church, but so is women’s ordination. One is about vulnerable children and the other is about needed leadership for our future. We need to address both. | I’m glad Pope Francis lifted up the scandals. It’s the current crisis confronting our church, but so is women’s ordination. One is about vulnerable children and the other is about needed leadership for our future. We need to address both. |
| Report on protests from my colleagues Sabrina Siddiqui and Lauren Gambino in Washington DC. | Report on protests from my colleagues Sabrina Siddiqui and Lauren Gambino in Washington DC. |
| Related: Protesters urge pope to ordain female priests and stop 'legitimizing sexism' | Related: Protesters urge pope to ordain female priests and stop 'legitimizing sexism' |
| Updated | |
| at 8.50pm BST | |
| 8.41pm BST | |
| 20:41 | |
| From Halima Kazem, who is in California with anti-canonization protesters: | From Halima Kazem, who is in California with anti-canonization protesters: |
| A group of 30 Native American residents of California, representatives of Native American groups, and other supporters have gathered at the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del río Carmelo where Junipero Serra to protest. | A group of 30 Native American residents of California, representatives of Native American groups, and other supporters have gathered at the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del río Carmelo where Junipero Serra to protest. |
| They say Serra symbolizes the human rights violations committed by the mission leadership against the Native Americans in California, and are against his canonization. | They say Serra symbolizes the human rights violations committed by the mission leadership against the Native Americans in California, and are against his canonization. |
| “They just dumped us here. This is a mass grave,” says Louise Ramirez, the Tribal Chairwoman of Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation (OCEN), a Native American people of the central and northern California coast. | “They just dumped us here. This is a mass grave,” says Louise Ramirez, the Tribal Chairwoman of Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation (OCEN), a Native American people of the central and northern California coast. |
| “They tell us 2,900 of my people are buried here but there are more. My people were tortured all over this area, even under these million dollar homes.” | “They tell us 2,900 of my people are buried here but there are more. My people were tortured all over this area, even under these million dollar homes.” |
| As the mission bells strike 12pm, in the courtyard the choir begins the celebration of the canonization and a live broadcast of the canonization mass in Washington DC. | As the mission bells strike 12pm, in the courtyard the choir begins the celebration of the canonization and a live broadcast of the canonization mass in Washington DC. |
| “We mourn as they celebrate. How can anyone celebrate when the bones of native American are buried within the walls of the mission”, says Corine Fairbanks, Director of Southern California American Indian Movement. | “We mourn as they celebrate. How can anyone celebrate when the bones of native American are buried within the walls of the mission”, says Corine Fairbanks, Director of Southern California American Indian Movement. |
| 8.27pm BST | |
| 20:27 | |
| The next official engagement for Pope Francis is the canonization of Junipero Serra. My colleage Andrew Gumbel reported on the controversy around the soon-to-be saint, whose reputation as the benevolent founder of California obscures a more brutal colonial past: | The next official engagement for Pope Francis is the canonization of Junipero Serra. My colleage Andrew Gumbel reported on the controversy around the soon-to-be saint, whose reputation as the benevolent founder of California obscures a more brutal colonial past: |
| Generations of American schoolchildren have been taught to think of Father Junípero Serra as California’s benevolent founding father, a humble Franciscan monk who left a life of comfort and plenty on the island of Mallorca to travel to the farthest reaches of the New World and protect the natives from the worst abuses of the Spanish imperial army. | Generations of American schoolchildren have been taught to think of Father Junípero Serra as California’s benevolent founding father, a humble Franciscan monk who left a life of comfort and plenty on the island of Mallorca to travel to the farthest reaches of the New World and protect the natives from the worst abuses of the Spanish imperial army. |
| Under Serra’s leadership, tens of thousands of Native Americans across Alta California, as the region was then known, were absorbed into Catholic missions – places said by one particularly rapturous myth-maker in the 19th century to be filled with “song, laughter, good food, beautiful languor, and mystical adoration of the Christ”. | Under Serra’s leadership, tens of thousands of Native Americans across Alta California, as the region was then known, were absorbed into Catholic missions – places said by one particularly rapturous myth-maker in the 19th century to be filled with “song, laughter, good food, beautiful languor, and mystical adoration of the Christ”. |
| What this rosy-eyed view omits is that these natives were brutalized – beaten, pressed into forced labour and infected with diseases to which they had no resistance – and the attempt to integrate them into the empire was a miserable failure. The journalist and historian Carey McWilliams wrote almost 70 years ago the missions could be better conceived as “a series of picturesque charnel houses”. | What this rosy-eyed view omits is that these natives were brutalized – beaten, pressed into forced labour and infected with diseases to which they had no resistance – and the attempt to integrate them into the empire was a miserable failure. The journalist and historian Carey McWilliams wrote almost 70 years ago the missions could be better conceived as “a series of picturesque charnel houses”. |
| You can read the whole piece here: | You can read the whole piece here: |
| Related: Junípero Serra's brutal story in spotlight as pope prepares for canonisation | Related: Junípero Serra's brutal story in spotlight as pope prepares for canonisation |
| 8.13pm BST | |
| 20:13 | |
| Sophie, the little girl who handed a letter to Pope Francis advocating for immigration, reads it to the Guardian here. Get some tissues before watching. | Sophie, the little girl who handed a letter to Pope Francis advocating for immigration, reads it to the Guardian here. Get some tissues before watching. |
| And read more about the Guardian US exclusive interview with the 5-year-old whose hug was watched ’round the world right here. | And read more about the Guardian US exclusive interview with the 5-year-old whose hug was watched ’round the world right here. |
| Related: Francis and Sophie's secret: girl who hugged pope delivers immigration plea | Related: Francis and Sophie's secret: girl who hugged pope delivers immigration plea |
| Updated | |
| at 3.29am BST | |
| 8.10pm BST | |
| 20:10 | |
| While we’re waiting for the pope ClickHole, the Onion’s Buzzfeed parody site, have put together “20 of our fave moments from our fave pope.” A few of the best: | While we’re waiting for the pope ClickHole, the Onion’s Buzzfeed parody site, have put together “20 of our fave moments from our fave pope.” A few of the best: |
| The time he rode around in a motorcycle sidecar passing out Rolos to people. | The time he rode around in a motorcycle sidecar passing out Rolos to people. |
| The time he temporarily lost his divine powers during an eclipse and had to save the Catholic faith with just his wits alone. | The time he temporarily lost his divine powers during an eclipse and had to save the Catholic faith with just his wits alone. |
| The time he opened a sermon by saying, “Jim Henson, wherever you are right now, this one’s for you.” | The time he opened a sermon by saying, “Jim Henson, wherever you are right now, this one’s for you.” |
| 8.03pm BST | |
| 20:03 | |
| Crowds are starting to arrive at the basilica too. | Crowds are starting to arrive at the basilica too. |
| Crowds filing into the Lawn of theNational Shrine. #PopeFrancis will be on his way here within the hour. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/Sl9EPwZ7d3 | Crowds filing into the Lawn of theNational Shrine. #PopeFrancis will be on his way here within the hour. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/Sl9EPwZ7d3 |
| 7.59pm BST | |
| 19:59 | |
| Wouldn’t be a state visit without work for rooftop snipers. | Wouldn’t be a state visit without work for rooftop snipers. |
| Guarding the Pope #PopeInDC #PopeFrancis #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/t1oLQjVORQ | Guarding the Pope #PopeInDC #PopeFrancis #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/t1oLQjVORQ |
| 7.58pm BST | |
| 19:58 | |
| ...and the streets of DC are basically empty. | ...and the streets of DC are basically empty. |
| 7.57pm BST | |
| 19:57 | |
| The National Basilica in Washington DC is beginning to fill up in preparation for the canonization of Junipero Serra. | The National Basilica in Washington DC is beginning to fill up in preparation for the canonization of Junipero Serra. |
| 7.50pm BST | |
| 19:50 | |
| The Heartland Institute, a well-known climate skeptic organization, has issued multiple statements about the pope’s appearance with President Obama this morning. | The Heartland Institute, a well-known climate skeptic organization, has issued multiple statements about the pope’s appearance with President Obama this morning. |
| From Heartland marketing director Gene Koprowski: | From Heartland marketing director Gene Koprowski: |
| President Obama’s Clean Power Plan, which Pope Francis commented on this morning at The White House, will have a disparate impact on the poor. That’s a form of illegal discrimination. The Obama plan more than doubles the cost of natural gas and electricity for all consumers. But it harms the poor even more than other Americans because it drains funds they would otherwise use for food and clothing to pay the electric bill. But it gets even worse. The Obama plan will also cause massive job losses for the black and Hispanic communities – again the very people the pope is committed to helping. | President Obama’s Clean Power Plan, which Pope Francis commented on this morning at The White House, will have a disparate impact on the poor. That’s a form of illegal discrimination. The Obama plan more than doubles the cost of natural gas and electricity for all consumers. But it harms the poor even more than other Americans because it drains funds they would otherwise use for food and clothing to pay the electric bill. But it gets even worse. The Obama plan will also cause massive job losses for the black and Hispanic communities – again the very people the pope is committed to helping. |
| Updated | |
| at 7.51pm BST | |
| 7.47pm BST | |
| 19:47 | |
| Reporting a canonisation on an empty stomach – that’s hard work. | Reporting a canonisation on an empty stomach – that’s hard work. |
| Don't mix fruit and religion. TSA bans my banana from Serra canonization. 'It's a missile.' pic.twitter.com/lGTW1ZpEDv | Don't mix fruit and religion. TSA bans my banana from Serra canonization. 'It's a missile.' pic.twitter.com/lGTW1ZpEDv |
| 7.44pm BST | |
| 19:44 | |
| He’ll likely enjoy it more, too. | He’ll likely enjoy it more, too. |
| Pope Francis will skip politician lunch to dine with 300 homeless in D.C. http://t.co/NWu0OBlHXz pic.twitter.com/5XJGXyVpzk | Pope Francis will skip politician lunch to dine with 300 homeless in D.C. http://t.co/NWu0OBlHXz pic.twitter.com/5XJGXyVpzk |
| 7.40pm BST | |
| 19:40 | |
| Adorbs. Here's Sophia, the little girl who got a kiss from @Pontifex today. Credit: @ABC's @KennethMoton. #PopeInUS pic.twitter.com/RVhJCxiQXl | Adorbs. Here's Sophia, the little girl who got a kiss from @Pontifex today. Credit: @ABC's @KennethMoton. #PopeInUS pic.twitter.com/RVhJCxiQXl |
| Little girl gives Pope note asking him to intercede on behalf of immigrants http://t.co/GdGdXkoyOG via @slate | Little girl gives Pope note asking him to intercede on behalf of immigrants http://t.co/GdGdXkoyOG via @slate |
| 7.34pm BST | |
| 19:34 | |
| From Angela Bruno, who is here with us in NYC: | From Angela Bruno, who is here with us in NYC: |
| Reverend Manuel Dorantes is the official Vatican spokesman for Spanish-speaking media, and according to Primer Impacto, was named the official spokesman for his first trip to the US by the Pope himself. | Reverend Manuel Dorantes is the official Vatican spokesman for Spanish-speaking media, and according to Primer Impacto, was named the official spokesman for his first trip to the US by the Pope himself. |
| Also known as Father Manny by his congregants in Chicago or the @TweetingPriest by his social media followers, Dorantes is the first American immigrant priest to receive this position. He is originally from Mexico. | Also known as Father Manny by his congregants in Chicago or the @TweetingPriest by his social media followers, Dorantes is the first American immigrant priest to receive this position. He is originally from Mexico. |
| Dorantes will be traveling with the pope during his three-city tour of the US. He offers intimate insights about the Pope in this interview with Univision’s Primer Impacto, which we’ve translated here from Spanish. | Dorantes will be traveling with the pope during his three-city tour of the US. He offers intimate insights about the Pope in this interview with Univision’s Primer Impacto, which we’ve translated here from Spanish. |
| Hablamos con @tweetingpriest el sacerdote que acompaña #PapaFrancisco http://t.co/bwUNYh7ySQ #PapaEnEEUU @PopeEnUSA @pamelasilva | Hablamos con @tweetingpriest el sacerdote que acompaña #PapaFrancisco http://t.co/bwUNYh7ySQ #PapaEnEEUU @PopeEnUSA @pamelasilva |
| Blessed to be in the USA | Blessed to be in the USA |
| He has always been more of a homebody, preferring to stay in Buenos Aires with his people. But now that God has called him to serve the whole world, this opportunity to come to the United States to embrace the North American people for the first time is truly a blessing for him – and he’s very excited about it. | He has always been more of a homebody, preferring to stay in Buenos Aires with his people. But now that God has called him to serve the whole world, this opportunity to come to the United States to embrace the North American people for the first time is truly a blessing for him – and he’s very excited about it. |
| A Man of Action | A Man of Action |
| Pope Francis, more than a man of words, is also a man of action. I invite everyone to really examine his actions during this trip. He is a person that is moved by the Holy Spirit. He wakes up at 4:30 in the morning to pray and align himself with God and respond to the reality of the Lord. | Pope Francis, more than a man of words, is also a man of action. I invite everyone to really examine his actions during this trip. He is a person that is moved by the Holy Spirit. He wakes up at 4:30 in the morning to pray and align himself with God and respond to the reality of the Lord. |
| Political, Never Partisan | Political, Never Partisan |
| The Gospel does have political connotations. … I think the Pope has said it before – we can have views that the world sees as political. But what we can not be is partisan. From a North American perspective, we hear a lot of different things. When he speaks on climate change and being more accepting toward the gay community, we hear that he’s | The Gospel does have political connotations. … I think the Pope has said it before – we can have views that the world sees as political. But what we can not be is partisan. From a North American perspective, we hear a lot of different things. When he speaks on climate change and being more accepting toward the gay community, we hear that he’s |
| too liberal. But when he condemns abortion, and talks about the protection of life, then we hear that he’s too conservative. | too liberal. But when he condemns abortion, and talks about the protection of life, then we hear that he’s too conservative. |
| Spontaneous and Full of Surprises | Spontaneous and Full of Surprises |
| The [Vatican] always says, ‘Don’t announce that the Pope will do this | The [Vatican] always says, ‘Don’t announce that the Pope will do this |
| or that.’ Because there’s always a possibility that he’ll make last-minute changes to the program.” | or that.’ Because there’s always a possibility that he’ll make last-minute changes to the program.” |
| 7.22pm BST | |
| 19:22 | |
| From my colleague Angela Bruno: | From my colleague Angela Bruno: |
| A look at Pope Francis' past jobs: #PopeinDC pic.twitter.com/ZUUlnYXPeS | A look at Pope Francis' past jobs: #PopeinDC pic.twitter.com/ZUUlnYXPeS |
| Even the pope has traversed the long and winding road to the top. This tweet from the Today Show shares highlights from Francis’s pre-pontiff resume, including a stint as a nightclub bouncer. How does the pope explain this gig? As a young student, he watched the door at a Buenos Aires discotheque to make ends meet. | Even the pope has traversed the long and winding road to the top. This tweet from the Today Show shares highlights from Francis’s pre-pontiff resume, including a stint as a nightclub bouncer. How does the pope explain this gig? As a young student, he watched the door at a Buenos Aires discotheque to make ends meet. |
| 7.00pm BST | |
| 19:00 | |
| A heartwarming Pope Francis moment: | A heartwarming Pope Francis moment: |
| Like this little girl, have you met the pope? Share your stories with us on Guardian Witness. | Like this little girl, have you met the pope? Share your stories with us on Guardian Witness. |
| Related: Have you met a pope? Share your photos, videos and stories | Related: Have you met a pope? Share your photos, videos and stories |
| Updated | |
| at 7.03pm BST | |
| 6.56pm BST | |
| 18:56 | |
| And some details of the gifts given by President Obama to the pope. | And some details of the gifts given by President Obama to the pope. |
| President Obama presented the Pope Francis a sculpture of an ascending dove, symbol of peace & Christian symbol for the Holy Spirit. | President Obama presented the Pope Francis a sculpture of an ascending dove, symbol of peace & Christian symbol for the Holy Spirit. |
| President Obama presented the Pope w/ key from home of Mother Seton first native-born American to be declared a saint. | President Obama presented the Pope w/ key from home of Mother Seton first native-born American to be declared a saint. |
| 6.55pm BST | |
| 18:55 | |
| More tweets, this time from conservative pundit Ann Coulter: | More tweets, this time from conservative pundit Ann Coulter: |
| THIS Pope's philosophy of worshiping the poor, blaming the rich leads to Latin American poverty. American Catholicism leads to success. | THIS Pope's philosophy of worshiping the poor, blaming the rich leads to Latin American poverty. American Catholicism leads to success. |
| No, I'm attacking the Pope. So did Martin Luther. So did America's settlers. So did Dems when it was John Paul II. https://t.co/fMO4Pb09HZ | No, I'm attacking the Pope. So did Martin Luther. So did America's settlers. So did Dems when it was John Paul II. https://t.co/fMO4Pb09HZ |
| Updated | |
| at 6.57pm BST | |
| 6.46pm BST | |
| 18:46 | |
| Clergy Twitter is out in force with the memes and infographics already: | Clergy Twitter is out in force with the memes and infographics already: |
| What is Pope Francis’s primary reason for coming to the United States? Here are his own words: #PopeInUS h/t @USCCB pic.twitter.com/kZ3UYPZwHb | What is Pope Francis’s primary reason for coming to the United States? Here are his own words: #PopeInUS h/t @USCCB pic.twitter.com/kZ3UYPZwHb |
| 6.45pm BST | |
| 18:45 | |
| Child sexual abuse survivors' group blasts Francis | Child sexual abuse survivors' group blasts Francis |
| Statement by Barbara Dorris, from Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (Snap): | Statement by Barbara Dorris, from Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (Snap): |
| We’re sad that Francis claims US bishops have shown “courage” in the abuse crisis. Almost without exception, they have shown cowardice and callousness and continue to do so now. They offer excuses, exploit legal technicalities and hide behind expensive lawyers and public relations professionals, hardly the marks of courage. | We’re sad that Francis claims US bishops have shown “courage” in the abuse crisis. Almost without exception, they have shown cowardice and callousness and continue to do so now. They offer excuses, exploit legal technicalities and hide behind expensive lawyers and public relations professionals, hardly the marks of courage. |
| We’re also sad that Francis can’t bring himself to call this crisis what it is – not “difficult moments in recent history,” but the continuing cover up of clergy child sex crimes by almost the entire church hierarchy. | We’re also sad that Francis can’t bring himself to call this crisis what it is – not “difficult moments in recent history,” but the continuing cover up of clergy child sex crimes by almost the entire church hierarchy. |
| Updated | |
| at 6.45pm BST | |
| 6.40pm BST | |
| 18:40 | |
| A few details of the interaction between President Obama and Pope Francis given just now in a White House briefing. In short, the conversation was private and mediated by an interpreter. | A few details of the interaction between President Obama and Pope Francis given just now in a White House briefing. In short, the conversation was private and mediated by an interpreter. |
| Updated | |
| at 6.43pm BST | |
| 6.31pm BST | |
| 18:31 | |
| Francis cuts the hand-shaking short. | Francis cuts the hand-shaking short. |
| .@Cardinal_Wuerl expresses sadness for @Pontifex that can't greet every bishop. Francis taps his watch! #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/OTaLBrUs1J | .@Cardinal_Wuerl expresses sadness for @Pontifex that can't greet every bishop. Francis taps his watch! #PopeInUSA pic.twitter.com/OTaLBrUs1J |
| 6.29pm BST | |
| 18:29 | |
| Kids these days! Why can’t they sit silently in church without having to play on their phones? | Kids these days! Why can’t they sit silently in church without having to play on their phones? |
| The age of the tweeting bishop. (Before #PopeFrancis arrival) #PopeinUS #PopeinDC pic.twitter.com/7DE5HRmsvL | The age of the tweeting bishop. (Before #PopeFrancis arrival) #PopeinUS #PopeinDC pic.twitter.com/7DE5HRmsvL |
| 6.29pm BST | |
| 18:29 | |
| Medea Benjamin from CODEPINK says seven have been arrested protesting for women’s ordination. | Medea Benjamin from CODEPINK says seven have been arrested protesting for women’s ordination. |
| Seven arrested calling for ordination of women priests in catholic church #PopeInDC #PopeFrancis pic.twitter.com/691Itakjry | Seven arrested calling for ordination of women priests in catholic church #PopeInDC #PopeFrancis pic.twitter.com/691Itakjry |
| 6.26pm BST | |
| 18:26 | |
| From British Catholic journalist Damian Thompson: | From British Catholic journalist Damian Thompson: |
| We’ve been dialoguing ourselves blue in the face for years. We need *leadership* (shown by Pope with Year of Mercy) https://t.co/djFuVSCepx | We’ve been dialoguing ourselves blue in the face for years. We need *leadership* (shown by Pope with Year of Mercy) https://t.co/djFuVSCepx |
| 6.18pm BST | |
| 18:18 | |
| And the hand-shaking begins. With over 200 bishops, it could go for just as long as the parade and the service. Here’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley from Boston, whose archdiocese has been the epicenter of the abuse scandal. | And the hand-shaking begins. With over 200 bishops, it could go for just as long as the parade and the service. Here’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley from Boston, whose archdiocese has been the epicenter of the abuse scandal. |
| Updated | |
| at 6.20pm BST | |
| 6.14pm BST | |
| 18:14 | |
| Francis is speaking very clearly on immigration now: | Francis is speaking very clearly on immigration now: |
| Now you are facing this stream of Latin immigration which affects many of your dioceses. Not only as the Bishop of Rome, but also as a pastor from the South, I feel the need to thank and encourage you. Perhaps it will not be easy for you to look into their soul; perhaps you will be challenged by their diversity. But know that they also possess resources meant to be shared. So do not be afraid to welcome them. | Now you are facing this stream of Latin immigration which affects many of your dioceses. Not only as the Bishop of Rome, but also as a pastor from the South, I feel the need to thank and encourage you. Perhaps it will not be easy for you to look into their soul; perhaps you will be challenged by their diversity. But know that they also possess resources meant to be shared. So do not be afraid to welcome them. |
| He finishes by saying that immigrants will be of great benefit to both the US and its church, invokes the blessing of the Virgin Mary, and that’s that. | He finishes by saying that immigrants will be of great benefit to both the US and its church, invokes the blessing of the Virgin Mary, and that’s that. |
| This tweet from earlier today may have been answered, too: | This tweet from earlier today may have been answered, too: |
| Is Pope's comment on immigration an attack on Trumpist hate-talk or on tepid US response to Syrian refugees? Let's just say both. | Is Pope's comment on immigration an attack on Trumpist hate-talk or on tepid US response to Syrian refugees? Let's just say both. |
| 6.14pm BST | |
| 18:14 | |
| Lauren Gambino | Lauren Gambino |
| Guardian US reporter Lauren Gambino files this dispatch from among the huddled masses on the National Mall in Washington: | Guardian US reporter Lauren Gambino files this dispatch from among the huddled masses on the National Mall in Washington: |
| A thousands-strong crowd erupted in loud cheers and chants when Pope Francis rolled by in his popemobile. | A thousands-strong crowd erupted in loud cheers and chants when Pope Francis rolled by in his popemobile. |
| Everyone waved their phones wildly as they tried to get the best view. Young children shrieked and bounced up and down with excitement. A father hoisted his daughter on his shoulders; she waived the yellow and white Vatican flag as the pope passed. Another man genuflected and made the sign of the cross. | Everyone waved their phones wildly as they tried to get the best view. Young children shrieked and bounced up and down with excitement. A father hoisted his daughter on his shoulders; she waived the yellow and white Vatican flag as the pope passed. Another man genuflected and made the sign of the cross. |
| Several people whom I spoke with remembered when Pope Benedict XVI visited Washington DC. He was a good pope, they said, but it wasn’t like this. | Several people whom I spoke with remembered when Pope Benedict XVI visited Washington DC. He was a good pope, they said, but it wasn’t like this. |
| Least popular people at the pope party. They're getting massively booed pic.twitter.com/J8tQFJLOMT | Least popular people at the pope party. They're getting massively booed pic.twitter.com/J8tQFJLOMT |
| No one with whom I spoke on Wednesday morning had any criticism of Pope Francis, but many had very high expectations of what they believed he could achieve on his visit to the United States. | No one with whom I spoke on Wednesday morning had any criticism of Pope Francis, but many had very high expectations of what they believed he could achieve on his visit to the United States. |
| Several pro-immigration reform groups game from all over the country to remind the nation’s lawmakers about the urgency of the pope’s message of charity for immigrants and refugees. Earlier in the morning, at the White House, Francis had opened his remarks by reminding America he is the son of immigrants. | Several pro-immigration reform groups game from all over the country to remind the nation’s lawmakers about the urgency of the pope’s message of charity for immigrants and refugees. Earlier in the morning, at the White House, Francis had opened his remarks by reminding America he is the son of immigrants. |
| ‘They talk about letting in the Syrian migrants in Europe,’ said Martha Jauregui, an immigration activist who came from Los Angeles. ‘But we are already here.’ | ‘They talk about letting in the Syrian migrants in Europe,’ said Martha Jauregui, an immigration activist who came from Los Angeles. ‘But we are already here.’ |
| Some Americans – and non-Americans – on the National Mall had been there since the security check-in opened at 4am. Plenty said they had skipped work or school for a glimpse of Francis. | Some Americans – and non-Americans – on the National Mall had been there since the security check-in opened at 4am. Plenty said they had skipped work or school for a glimpse of Francis. |
| ‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,’ said 14-year-old Caiden Lovett. ‘He’s just the greatest person.’ | ‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,’ said 14-year-old Caiden Lovett. ‘He’s just the greatest person.’ |
| At one point, the popemobile stopped and Pope Francis looked as if he might walk over to the sea of outstretched hands. But he stayed in the popemobile and waived, and the crowd cheered louder. | At one point, the popemobile stopped and Pope Francis looked as if he might walk over to the sea of outstretched hands. But he stayed in the popemobile and waived, and the crowd cheered louder. |
| The pope was running a bit behind schedule after his private meeting with Barack Obama, so he moved down the mall fairly quickly. | The pope was running a bit behind schedule after his private meeting with Barack Obama, so he moved down the mall fairly quickly. |
| ‘It happened so fast,’ said Marissa Malchione, a graduate student at George Washington, moments after Francis passed. She and her friend Laura Venner were out of breath as they described how they felt after seeing him. | ‘It happened so fast,’ said Marissa Malchione, a graduate student at George Washington, moments after Francis passed. She and her friend Laura Venner were out of breath as they described how they felt after seeing him. |
| ‘It was just the best moment,’ said Venner. ‘I can’t believe I was just blessed by the pope.’ | ‘It was just the best moment,’ said Venner. ‘I can’t believe I was just blessed by the pope.’ |
| 6.04pm BST | |
| 18:04 | |
| Earlier in September my colleague Amanda Holpuch spoke to victims of child sexual abuse by Catholic priests: | Earlier in September my colleague Amanda Holpuch spoke to victims of child sexual abuse by Catholic priests: |
| When Pope Francis arrives in the US for the first time later this month, his reputation as the beloved “people’s pope” will be clouded by the trauma endured by the thousands of people abused as children in the Catholic church. | When Pope Francis arrives in the US for the first time later this month, his reputation as the beloved “people’s pope” will be clouded by the trauma endured by the thousands of people abused as children in the Catholic church. |
| Wimmer told the Guardian that he hopes Francis is as wonderful as his reputation suggests. “But as far as this issue goes, he hasn’t done anything to give me hope,” the 56-year-old said. | Wimmer told the Guardian that he hopes Francis is as wonderful as his reputation suggests. “But as far as this issue goes, he hasn’t done anything to give me hope,” the 56-year-old said. |
| You can read the whole story below. I suspect many US victims of abuse will take umbrage with the pope’s statement that the bishops have not “been afraid to divest whatever is unessential in order to regain the authority and trust which is demanded of ministers of Christ”. | You can read the whole story below. I suspect many US victims of abuse will take umbrage with the pope’s statement that the bishops have not “been afraid to divest whatever is unessential in order to regain the authority and trust which is demanded of ministers of Christ”. |
| Related: Ongoing child sex abuse in Catholic church casts shadow on pope's US visit | Related: Ongoing child sex abuse in Catholic church casts shadow on pope's US visit |
| 5.45pm BST | |
| 17:45 | |
| Pope alludes to 'difficult moments' of sex abuse crisis in address to bishops on church division | Pope alludes to 'difficult moments' of sex abuse crisis in address to bishops on church division |
| Pope Francis is currently speaking to the bishops. Here are annotated excerpts from his lengthy, and very frank, address. | Pope Francis is currently speaking to the bishops. Here are annotated excerpts from his lengthy, and very frank, address. |
| On abortion, the family and the child sexual abuse crisis: | On abortion, the family and the child sexual abuse crisis: |
| I appreciate the unfailing commitment of the Church in America to the cause of life and that of the family, which is the primary reason for my present visit. | I appreciate the unfailing commitment of the Church in America to the cause of life and that of the family, which is the primary reason for my present visit. |
| I am also conscious of the courage with which you have faced difficult moments in the recent history of the Church in this country without fear of self-criticism and at the cost of mortification and great sacrifice. Nor have you been afraid to divest whatever is unessential in order to regain the authority and trust which is demanded of ministers of Christ and rightly expected by the faithful. I realize how much the pain of recent years has weighed upon you and I have supported your generous commitment to bring healing to victims – in the knowledge that in healing we too are healed – and to work to ensure that such crimes will never be repeated. | I am also conscious of the courage with which you have faced difficult moments in the recent history of the Church in this country without fear of self-criticism and at the cost of mortification and great sacrifice. Nor have you been afraid to divest whatever is unessential in order to regain the authority and trust which is demanded of ministers of Christ and rightly expected by the faithful. I realize how much the pain of recent years has weighed upon you and I have supported your generous commitment to bring healing to victims – in the knowledge that in healing we too are healed – and to work to ensure that such crimes will never be repeated. |
| “I have not come to judge you or lecture you”: | “I have not come to judge you or lecture you”: |
| I must tell you that I do not feel a stranger in your midst. I am a native of a land which is also vast, with great open ranges, a land which, like your own, received the faith from itinerant missionaries ... It is not my intention to offer a plan or to devise a strategy. I have not come to judge you or to lecture you. I trust completely in the voice of the One who “teaches all things” (Jn 14:26). Allow me only, in the freedom of love, to speak to you as a brother among brothers. I have no wish to tell you what to do, because we all know what it is that the Lord asks of us. | I must tell you that I do not feel a stranger in your midst. I am a native of a land which is also vast, with great open ranges, a land which, like your own, received the faith from itinerant missionaries ... It is not my intention to offer a plan or to devise a strategy. I have not come to judge you or to lecture you. I trust completely in the voice of the One who “teaches all things” (Jn 14:26). Allow me only, in the freedom of love, to speak to you as a brother among brothers. I have no wish to tell you what to do, because we all know what it is that the Lord asks of us. |
| [T]rusting union with Christ is what nourishes the life of a pastor. It is not about preaching complicated doctrines, but joyfully proclaiming Christ who died and rose for our sake. The “style” of our mission should make our hearers feel that the message we preach is meant “for us”. | [T]rusting union with Christ is what nourishes the life of a pastor. It is not about preaching complicated doctrines, but joyfully proclaiming Christ who died and rose for our sake. The “style” of our mission should make our hearers feel that the message we preach is meant “for us”. |
| On worldly struggles: | On worldly struggles: |
| Who also watch over ourselves, so as to flee the temptation of narcissism, which blinds the eyes of the shepherd, makes his voice unrecognizable and his actions fruitless ... Woe to us, however, if we make of the cross a banner of worldly struggles and fail to realize that the price of lasting victory is allowing ourselves to be wounded and consumed. | Who also watch over ourselves, so as to flee the temptation of narcissism, which blinds the eyes of the shepherd, makes his voice unrecognizable and his actions fruitless ... Woe to us, however, if we make of the cross a banner of worldly struggles and fail to realize that the price of lasting victory is allowing ourselves to be wounded and consumed. |
| Harsh and divisive language does not befit the tongue of a pastor, it has no place in his heart; although it may momentarily seem to win the day, only the enduring allure of goodness and love remains truly convincing ... At times in our work we can be burdened by a sense of loneliness, and so feel the heaviness of the yoke that we forget that we have received it from the Lord. | Harsh and divisive language does not befit the tongue of a pastor, it has no place in his heart; although it may momentarily seem to win the day, only the enduring allure of goodness and love remains truly convincing ... At times in our work we can be burdened by a sense of loneliness, and so feel the heaviness of the yoke that we forget that we have received it from the Lord. |
| The church cannot be fought over: | The church cannot be fought over: |
| [R]emember that Jesus’ Church is kept whole not by “consuming fire from heaven”, but by the secret warmth of the Spirit, who “heals what is wounded, bends what is rigid, straightens what is crooked”. The great mission which the Lord gives us is one which we carry out in communion, collegially. The world is already so torn and divided, brokenness is now everywhere. Consequently, the Church, “the seamless garment of the Lord” cannot allow herself to be rent, broken or fought over. | [R]emember that Jesus’ Church is kept whole not by “consuming fire from heaven”, but by the secret warmth of the Spirit, who “heals what is wounded, bends what is rigid, straightens what is crooked”. The great mission which the Lord gives us is one which we carry out in communion, collegially. The world is already so torn and divided, brokenness is now everywhere. Consequently, the Church, “the seamless garment of the Lord” cannot allow herself to be rent, broken or fought over. |
| On obedience to, and unity in, Rome: | On obedience to, and unity in, Rome: |
| Church of Rome which “presides in charity”. It is imperative, therefore, to watch over that unity, to safeguard it, to promote it and to bear witness to it ... This service to unity is particularly important for this nation, whose vast material and spiritual, cultural and political, historical and human, scientific and technological resources impose significant moral responsibilities in a world which is seeking, confusedly and laboriously, new balances of peace, prosperity and integration. | Church of Rome which “presides in charity”. It is imperative, therefore, to watch over that unity, to safeguard it, to promote it and to bear witness to it ... This service to unity is particularly important for this nation, whose vast material and spiritual, cultural and political, historical and human, scientific and technological resources impose significant moral responsibilities in a world which is seeking, confusedly and laboriously, new balances of peace, prosperity and integration. |
| Francis reiterates what’s at stake: | Francis reiterates what’s at stake: |
| I encourage you, then, to confront the challenging issues of our time. Ever present within each of them is life as gift and responsibility. The future freedom and dignity of our societies depends on how we face these challenges. The innocent victim of abortion, children who die of hunger or from bombings, immigrants who drown in the search for a better tomorrow, the elderly or the sick who are considered a burden, the victims of terrorism, wars, violence and drug trafficking, the environment devastated by man’s predatory relationship with nature – at stake in all of this is the gift of God, of which we are noble stewards but not masters. It is wrong, then, to look the other way or to remain silent. | I encourage you, then, to confront the challenging issues of our time. Ever present within each of them is life as gift and responsibility. The future freedom and dignity of our societies depends on how we face these challenges. The innocent victim of abortion, children who die of hunger or from bombings, immigrants who drown in the search for a better tomorrow, the elderly or the sick who are considered a burden, the victims of terrorism, wars, violence and drug trafficking, the environment devastated by man’s predatory relationship with nature – at stake in all of this is the gift of God, of which we are noble stewards but not masters. It is wrong, then, to look the other way or to remain silent. |
| Humility: | Humility: |
| To this end, it is important that the Church in the United States also be a humble home, a family fire which attracts men and women through the attractive light and warmth of love. As pastors, we know well how much darkness and cold there is in this world; we know the loneliness and the neglect experienced by many people, even amid great resources of communication and material wealth. We see their fear in the face of life, their despair and the many forms of escapism to which it gives rise. Consequently, only a Church which can gather around the family fire remains able to attract others. | To this end, it is important that the Church in the United States also be a humble home, a family fire which attracts men and women through the attractive light and warmth of love. As pastors, we know well how much darkness and cold there is in this world; we know the loneliness and the neglect experienced by many people, even amid great resources of communication and material wealth. We see their fear in the face of life, their despair and the many forms of escapism to which it gives rise. Consequently, only a Church which can gather around the family fire remains able to attract others. |
| On spiritual worldliness, one of Pope Francis’s favorite themes: | On spiritual worldliness, one of Pope Francis’s favorite themes: |
| It becomes even more urgent to grow in the certainty that the embers of his presence, kindled in the fire of his passion, precede us and will never die out. Whenever this certainty weakens, we end up being caretakers of ash, and not guardians and dispensers of the true light and the warmth which causes our hearts to burn within us. | It becomes even more urgent to grow in the certainty that the embers of his presence, kindled in the fire of his passion, precede us and will never die out. Whenever this certainty weakens, we end up being caretakers of ash, and not guardians and dispensers of the true light and the warmth which causes our hearts to burn within us. |
| Two recommendations for the bishops – one on pastoral service: | Two recommendations for the bishops – one on pastoral service: |
| Be pastors close to people, pastors who are neighbors and servants ... Find ways to encourage their spiritual growth, lest they yield to the temptation to become notaries and bureaucrats ... | Be pastors close to people, pastors who are neighbors and servants ... Find ways to encourage their spiritual growth, lest they yield to the temptation to become notaries and bureaucrats ... |
| And the second, on immigration: | And the second, on immigration: |
| Now you are facing this stream of Latin immigration which affects many of your dioceses. Not only as the Bishop of Rome, but also as a pastor from the South, I feel the need to thank and encourage you. Perhaps it will not be easy for you to look into their soul; perhaps you will be challenged by their diversity. But know that they also possess resources meant to be shared. So do not be afraid to welcome them. | Now you are facing this stream of Latin immigration which affects many of your dioceses. Not only as the Bishop of Rome, but also as a pastor from the South, I feel the need to thank and encourage you. Perhaps it will not be easy for you to look into their soul; perhaps you will be challenged by their diversity. But know that they also possess resources meant to be shared. So do not be afraid to welcome them. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.46pm BST | |
| 5.41pm BST | |
| 17:41 | |
| .@Pontifex to US bishops: "I do not feel a stranger in your midst. I am a native of a land which is also vast." #PopeInUS | .@Pontifex to US bishops: "I do not feel a stranger in your midst. I am a native of a land which is also vast." #PopeInUS |
| 5.38pm BST | |
| 17:38 | |
| The pope is speaking in Italian, and the bishops have a simultaneous English translation in their earpieces. That’s good, because they can hear Pope Francis’s thanks. The American church is one of the key financial backers of the Vatican: | The pope is speaking in Italian, and the bishops have a simultaneous English translation in their earpieces. That’s good, because they can hear Pope Francis’s thanks. The American church is one of the key financial backers of the Vatican: |
| My first word to you is one of thanksgiving to God for the power of the Gospel which has brought about remarkable growth of Christ’s Church in these lands and enabled its generous contribution, past and present, to American society and to the world. I thank you most heartily for your generous solidarity with the Apostolic See and the support you give to the spread of the Gospel in many suffering areas of our world. | My first word to you is one of thanksgiving to God for the power of the Gospel which has brought about remarkable growth of Christ’s Church in these lands and enabled its generous contribution, past and present, to American society and to the world. I thank you most heartily for your generous solidarity with the Apostolic See and the support you give to the spread of the Gospel in many suffering areas of our world. |
| The US church’s financial might isn’t what it used to be, though. | The US church’s financial might isn’t what it used to be, though. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.39pm BST | |
| 5.33pm BST | |
| 17:33 | |
| While the pope is getting into his long speech, here’s a lovely photo: | While the pope is getting into his long speech, here’s a lovely photo: |
| Nuns tailgate at Catholic University. #PopeInDC (Photograph by @DianeRicePhoto) pic.twitter.com/OCpdwZyjTe | Nuns tailgate at Catholic University. #PopeInDC (Photograph by @DianeRicePhoto) pic.twitter.com/OCpdwZyjTe |
| 5.31pm BST | |
| 17:31 | |
| Pope Francis opens with thanks and gratitude for the Jewish people, acknowledging that it is the holy day of Yom Kippur. | Pope Francis opens with thanks and gratitude for the Jewish people, acknowledging that it is the holy day of Yom Kippur. |
| 5.30pm BST | |
| 17:30 | |
| Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington DC, greets the pope: we “renew our loyalty, pledge our affection”. | Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of Washington DC, greets the pope: we “renew our loyalty, pledge our affection”. |
| He hands over to the president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and archbishop of Louisville, Joseph Kurtz, who speaks of helping the poor to realize an “American dream accessible to all”. | He hands over to the president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and archbishop of Louisville, Joseph Kurtz, who speaks of helping the poor to realize an “American dream accessible to all”. |
| He also speaks Francis’s own words back to him, expressing his desire that the church be a “field hospital which binds the wounds of families and individuals”. | He also speaks Francis’s own words back to him, expressing his desire that the church be a “field hospital which binds the wounds of families and individuals”. |
| With “heartfelt gratitude” the bishops applaud. | With “heartfelt gratitude” the bishops applaud. |
| 5.22pm BST | |
| 17:22 | |
| Long periods of silence punctuate the readings and prayers. Pope Francis is deep in contemplation. Trust me, this is going to be big. | Long periods of silence punctuate the readings and prayers. Pope Francis is deep in contemplation. Trust me, this is going to be big. |
| If you’re watching live stream of the midday prayer with the bishops — actual silence in the midst of all this. #PopeInUSA #StillSmallVoice | If you’re watching live stream of the midday prayer with the bishops — actual silence in the midst of all this. #PopeInUSA #StillSmallVoice |
| 5.19pm BST | |
| 17:19 | |
| If you’re not into hymns of praise and other finery (like the pope, who never looks more bored than when people in uniforms are paying him compliments) here’s some more excellent popemobile footage. | If you’re not into hymns of praise and other finery (like the pope, who never looks more bored than when people in uniforms are paying him compliments) here’s some more excellent popemobile footage. |
| 5.15pm BST | |
| 17:15 | |
| Reporters and attendees are keeping an eye out. | Reporters and attendees are keeping an eye out. |
| @joshjmac @NCRonline I thought I caught one or two sitting off to the side. | @joshjmac @NCRonline I thought I caught one or two sitting off to the side. |
| 5.14pm BST | |
| 17:14 | |
| The mass for US President John F Kennedy’s state funeral was held at this cathedral, and an inscription in front of the sanctuary bears an inscription remembering where his remains lay during the service. | The mass for US President John F Kennedy’s state funeral was held at this cathedral, and an inscription in front of the sanctuary bears an inscription remembering where his remains lay during the service. |
| 5.08pm BST | |
| 17:08 | |
| The stole of Paul VI that Pope Francis is using on his apostolic visits abroad. pic.twitter.com/LaVWckBJyG | The stole of Paul VI that Pope Francis is using on his apostolic visits abroad. pic.twitter.com/LaVWckBJyG |
| 5.07pm BST | |
| 17:07 | |
| Francis is looking very stern and tired. His sciatica has been causing him trouble since Cuba. There’s a good chance he’s in quite a bit of pain. | Francis is looking very stern and tired. His sciatica has been causing him trouble since Cuba. There’s a good chance he’s in quite a bit of pain. |
| 5.03pm BST | |
| 17:03 | |
| Meanwhile, outside St Matthew’s, Guardian US political reporter Sabrina Siddiqui has found this group of protesters ... | Meanwhile, outside St Matthew’s, Guardian US political reporter Sabrina Siddiqui has found this group of protesters ... |
| This group says Pope's opposition to ordaining women makes them "second-class citizens" pic.twitter.com/4NOO5w7ADd | This group says Pope's opposition to ordaining women makes them "second-class citizens" pic.twitter.com/4NOO5w7ADd |
| ... while our Lauren Gambino has found a similar message back on the National Mall: | ... while our Lauren Gambino has found a similar message back on the National Mall: |
| Jane Varner Malhorta says it's time to ordain women pic.twitter.com/IaYaZm3Eq7 | Jane Varner Malhorta says it's time to ordain women pic.twitter.com/IaYaZm3Eq7 |
| 5.02pm BST | |
| 17:02 | |
| Demonstrators who want women ordained as Catholic priests lay on sidewalk outside Pope's midday prayer event pic.twitter.com/1cpsNAxEZS | Demonstrators who want women ordained as Catholic priests lay on sidewalk outside Pope's midday prayer event pic.twitter.com/1cpsNAxEZS |
| Updated | |
| at 5.10pm BST | |
| 5.01pm BST | |
| 17:01 | |
| The bishops have been waiting for a very long time for Pope Francis to arrive, but he has further lessons in patience for them. He goes straight to the tabernacle, which is where the consecrated communion hosts (wafers), which Catholics believe are the literal body of Christ, are stored. | The bishops have been waiting for a very long time for Pope Francis to arrive, but he has further lessons in patience for them. He goes straight to the tabernacle, which is where the consecrated communion hosts (wafers), which Catholics believe are the literal body of Christ, are stored. |
| It’s customary in Catholic churches to pay your respects to Christ in the tabernacle by bowing or genuflecting. Francis prays for a minute or so before the tabernacle while his bishops wait. | It’s customary in Catholic churches to pay your respects to Christ in the tabernacle by bowing or genuflecting. Francis prays for a minute or so before the tabernacle while his bishops wait. |
| 4.56pm BST | |
| 16:56 | |
| And here’s Pope Francis. That’s a lot of purple zuchettos. | And here’s Pope Francis. That’s a lot of purple zuchettos. |
| 4.53pm BST | |
| 16:53 | |
| Adam Brereton | Adam Brereton |
| G’day, Adam Brereton back on the blog with you for the pope’s Washington DC prayer service with the US bishops. This is going to be a big one, probably the most substantial event of his pilgrimage yet, so stay with me. | G’day, Adam Brereton back on the blog with you for the pope’s Washington DC prayer service with the US bishops. This is going to be a big one, probably the most substantial event of his pilgrimage yet, so stay with me. |
| It will also be absolutely beautiful too, with some of the best liturgical music in the world, so chuck on this livestream if you want to watch. | It will also be absolutely beautiful too, with some of the best liturgical music in the world, so chuck on this livestream if you want to watch. |
| 4.49pm BST | |
| 16:49 | |
| Guardian US reporter Lauren Gambino was among the faithful on the National Mall and caught this quick glimpse: | Guardian US reporter Lauren Gambino was among the faithful on the National Mall and caught this quick glimpse: |
| .@pontifex on the National Mall https://t.co/VFpxOPY6E7 | .@pontifex on the National Mall https://t.co/VFpxOPY6E7 |
| “It happened so fast, but people were ecstatic and waving theirs hands wildly in the air,” Lauren writes. “He even stopped for a moment in front of us.” | “It happened so fast, but people were ecstatic and waving theirs hands wildly in the air,” Lauren writes. “He even stopped for a moment in front of us.” |
| Now it’s into St Matthew’s Cathedral. We’ll hand it over to resident Catholic Adam Brereton for live-blogging from here, with highlights from the pope’s remarks inside. | Now it’s into St Matthew’s Cathedral. We’ll hand it over to resident Catholic Adam Brereton for live-blogging from here, with highlights from the pope’s remarks inside. |
| 4.49pm BST | |
| 16:49 | |
| .@Pontifex kisses a crucifix as he enters DC's Cathedral alongside @Cardinal_Wuerl #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/uMxCP8fAIG | .@Pontifex kisses a crucifix as he enters DC's Cathedral alongside @Cardinal_Wuerl #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/uMxCP8fAIG |
| 4.48pm BST | |
| 16:48 | |
| The pope has arrived at the cathedral, where he will lead midday prayers at the cathedral, where he is just arriving. | The pope has arrived at the cathedral, where he will lead midday prayers at the cathedral, where he is just arriving. |
| .@BishopBarron waiting for #PopeFrancis for midday prayer, St. Matthew's Cathedral (photo via Bishop Baker) #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/7yu5Dhq6En | .@BishopBarron waiting for #PopeFrancis for midday prayer, St. Matthew's Cathedral (photo via Bishop Baker) #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/7yu5Dhq6En |
| 4.43pm BST | |
| 16:43 | |
| The papal parade is complete | The papal parade is complete |
| Next up, the pontiff will chair a meeting with US bishops at St. Matthew’s Cathedral. | Next up, the pontiff will chair a meeting with US bishops at St. Matthew’s Cathedral. |
| 4.42pm BST | |
| 16:42 | |
| President Obama presented His Holiness Pope Francis with a sculpture of an ascending dove, the White House press pool reports. | President Obama presented His Holiness Pope Francis with a sculpture of an ascending dove, the White House press pool reports. |
| The metal sculpture incorporates an original armature bar from the Statue of Liberty, preserved during Lady Liberty’s centennial restoration, and its pedestal was made with historic wood reclaimed from the White House lawn and features a personalized inscription. | The metal sculpture incorporates an original armature bar from the Statue of Liberty, preserved during Lady Liberty’s centennial restoration, and its pedestal was made with historic wood reclaimed from the White House lawn and features a personalized inscription. |
| In addition to the sculpture, President Obama presented His Holiness with a key from the Maryland home of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American to be declared a saint, and this year marks the 40th anniversary of her canonization. | In addition to the sculpture, President Obama presented His Holiness with a key from the Maryland home of Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American to be declared a saint, and this year marks the 40th anniversary of her canonization. |
| Dating from 1809, the key was presented on a piece of marble from the Basilica at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. | Dating from 1809, the key was presented on a piece of marble from the Basilica at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. |
| 4.39pm BST | |
| 16:39 | |
| Some more details on the pope’s meeting with president Obama from the White House press pool: | Some more details on the pope’s meeting with president Obama from the White House press pool: |
| The president and pope walked very slowly and deliberately from the residence along the Colonnade, through sun and occasional shade of the Rose Garden-adjacent shrubbery. It appeared that the president was doing most of, if not all of the talking. At one point, as they grew nearer to the array of photographers positioned to capture the walk head-on, POTUS and His Holiness paused for a moment, and then eventually continued on, making the left turn to walk toward the Oval Office entrance. | The president and pope walked very slowly and deliberately from the residence along the Colonnade, through sun and occasional shade of the Rose Garden-adjacent shrubbery. It appeared that the president was doing most of, if not all of the talking. At one point, as they grew nearer to the array of photographers positioned to capture the walk head-on, POTUS and His Holiness paused for a moment, and then eventually continued on, making the left turn to walk toward the Oval Office entrance. |
| The Vatican and White House press corps then quickly assembled to file in, in just as organized chaos as you’d expect from us. By the time your pooler entered the Oval, Pope Francis was seated to POTUS’ right in the two chairs opposite the Resolute Desk, smiling for the cameras. Here POTUS remarked, I notice that the pool is better behaved than usual. | The Vatican and White House press corps then quickly assembled to file in, in just as organized chaos as you’d expect from us. By the time your pooler entered the Oval, Pope Francis was seated to POTUS’ right in the two chairs opposite the Resolute Desk, smiling for the cameras. Here POTUS remarked, I notice that the pool is better behaved than usual. |
| Over the sounds of camera shutters CBS’ Bill Plante asked the two men what would be the most important issue they’d discuss. With no answer another reporter asked about a question about the Syrian migrant crisis. | Over the sounds of camera shutters CBS’ Bill Plante asked the two men what would be the most important issue they’d discuss. With no answer another reporter asked about a question about the Syrian migrant crisis. |
| POTUS only said: “Thank you everybody,” signaling the end of our brief glimpse of the historic encounter. Your Catholic and Jesuit-educated pooler clocked it in at just under a full minute but it somehow felt much quicker. | POTUS only said: “Thank you everybody,” signaling the end of our brief glimpse of the historic encounter. Your Catholic and Jesuit-educated pooler clocked it in at just under a full minute but it somehow felt much quicker. |
| 4.36pm BST | |
| 16:36 | |
| More from Angela Bruno: | More from Angela Bruno: |
| In case you’re wondering what it’s like to meet the Pope, this heartwarming video of an adorably giddy Cuban nun, Sister María Isabel Soto, sums it up quite nicely. She spoke to Metro PR about her exchange with Pope Francis in Cuba: | In case you’re wondering what it’s like to meet the Pope, this heartwarming video of an adorably giddy Cuban nun, Sister María Isabel Soto, sums it up quite nicely. She spoke to Metro PR about her exchange with Pope Francis in Cuba: |
| Sister Soto: “I became speechless! All I could was, ‘Thank you for coming to our country. Thank you for visiting us.’” | Sister Soto: “I became speechless! All I could was, ‘Thank you for coming to our country. Thank you for visiting us.’” |
| Reporter: “How did the Pope respond?” | Reporter: “How did the Pope respond?” |
| Sister Soto: “He told us we were good women – very brave women.” | Sister Soto: “He told us we were good women – very brave women.” |
| 4.34pm BST | |
| 16:34 | |
| The motorcade has just turned onto 15th street, according to CBS’s White House correspondent Mark Knoller. | The motorcade has just turned onto 15th street, according to CBS’s White House correspondent Mark Knoller. |
| Papal parade turns north on 15th street - usually best place to get a snow cone from snack trucks. pic.twitter.com/BHWb6jAK9d | Papal parade turns north on 15th street - usually best place to get a snow cone from snack trucks. pic.twitter.com/BHWb6jAK9d |
| 4.29pm BST | |
| 16:29 | |
| More from my colleague Angela Bruno: | More from my colleague Angela Bruno: |
| This Instagram post by the Spanish language channel Univision shows five Mexican women whose children were among the 43 student teachers who disappeared almost a year ago after they were attacked by corrupt police officers. | This Instagram post by the Spanish language channel Univision shows five Mexican women whose children were among the 43 student teachers who disappeared almost a year ago after they were attacked by corrupt police officers. |
| The families have travelled to Washington DC in the hope of enlisting Pope Francis in their search for justice. The mothers hold up signs with their children’s faces and captions reading: “He was taken alive. And alive is how we want him back!” | The families have travelled to Washington DC in the hope of enlisting Pope Francis in their search for justice. The mothers hold up signs with their children’s faces and captions reading: “He was taken alive. And alive is how we want him back!” |
| This Saturday marks the first anniversary of the attack in which the students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers College disappeared on the way to a protest. | This Saturday marks the first anniversary of the attack in which the students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers College disappeared on the way to a protest. |
| The event has rocked the administration of president Peña-Nieto, who the activist mothers hold accountable for failing to crack down on corruption. | The event has rocked the administration of president Peña-Nieto, who the activist mothers hold accountable for failing to crack down on corruption. |
| The Mexican government stands by claims that the were abducted, killed and burned after police officers in the pay of a local gang mistook them for gunmen from a rival faction. But an examination of the case by a panel of experts assembled by the Inter-American human rights commission has cast doubt on the official version. | The Mexican government stands by claims that the were abducted, killed and burned after police officers in the pay of a local gang mistook them for gunmen from a rival faction. But an examination of the case by a panel of experts assembled by the Inter-American human rights commission has cast doubt on the official version. |
| The five mothers who travelled to Washington – Blanca Luz, Angélica González González, Hilda Hernández Rivera, Hilda Legideño Vargas, and Luz María Telumbre Casarrubias – believe their children are still alive and being held captive. | The five mothers who travelled to Washington – Blanca Luz, Angélica González González, Hilda Hernández Rivera, Hilda Legideño Vargas, and Luz María Telumbre Casarrubias – believe their children are still alive and being held captive. |
| In this Periscope video from Univision Noticias, the women speakout against the Mexican president and ask the Pope for his help. | In this Periscope video from Univision Noticias, the women speakout against the Mexican president and ask the Pope for his help. |
| Here are some of their statements, translated from Spanish: | Here are some of their statements, translated from Spanish: |
| The [Mexican] government has not cooperated with us and we’re hoping that the Pope can intervene on our behalf and tell the government to return our sons. | The [Mexican] government has not cooperated with us and we’re hoping that the Pope can intervene on our behalf and tell the government to return our sons. |
| We have come from very far, but we are not tired – and we will never tire of looking for our sons. This was a crime of the state, even though [Peña-Nieto] refuses to accept it. They want us to believe that our children are dead – but that is a lie. | We have come from very far, but we are not tired – and we will never tire of looking for our sons. This was a crime of the state, even though [Peña-Nieto] refuses to accept it. They want us to believe that our children are dead – but that is a lie. |
| If I could meet with the Pope, I would tell him that we have been tortured for a year without any news of our sons. I would ask him to demand that Peña-Nieto handover our sons. He has to answer to us for their lives. We have faith that the Pope can do something for our problem. | If I could meet with the Pope, I would tell him that we have been tortured for a year without any news of our sons. I would ask him to demand that Peña-Nieto handover our sons. He has to answer to us for their lives. We have faith that the Pope can do something for our problem. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.41pm BST | |
| 4.28pm BST | |
| 16:28 | |
| Live from DC, it's #PopeFrancis. My own photo of the #PopeInDC parade. #GoodIsWinning @popeishope #papalvisit #pope… pic.twitter.com/6jfn96jMPs | Live from DC, it's #PopeFrancis. My own photo of the #PopeInDC parade. #GoodIsWinning @popeishope #papalvisit #pope… pic.twitter.com/6jfn96jMPs |
| Popemobile makes turn onto Constitution Avenue with throngs of cheering people lining the parade route. pic.twitter.com/tiHsB3RIcb | Popemobile makes turn onto Constitution Avenue with throngs of cheering people lining the parade route. pic.twitter.com/tiHsB3RIcb |
| 4.26pm BST | |
| 16:26 | |
| Pope Francis parades down the National Mall | Pope Francis parades down the National Mall |
| Here we gooooooo! #PopeInDC | Here we gooooooo! #PopeInDC |
| There is a joyful atmosphere as the pontiff leans from his open-topped jeep, greeting fans and kissing babies. He smiles broadly, and gives the thumbs-up. | There is a joyful atmosphere as the pontiff leans from his open-topped jeep, greeting fans and kissing babies. He smiles broadly, and gives the thumbs-up. |
| Just utter joy as @Pontifex rolls through DC, greeting people. #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/uYDOwiy9bk | Just utter joy as @Pontifex rolls through DC, greeting people. #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/uYDOwiy9bk |
| Lots of thumbs up from Francis during his parade along the Ellipse and the National Mall #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/QENXMqsBMc | Lots of thumbs up from Francis during his parade along the Ellipse and the National Mall #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/QENXMqsBMc |
| 4.20pm BST | |
| 16:20 | |
| DC bureau chief Dan Roberts reports that the meeting in the Oval Office has broken up, and the Pope has just departed for his parade. | DC bureau chief Dan Roberts reports that the meeting in the Oval Office has broken up, and the Pope has just departed for his parade. |
| The popemobile - which for today’s parade is a converted Jeep Wrangler - has just left the White House grounds with the pontiff aboard. | The popemobile - which for today’s parade is a converted Jeep Wrangler - has just left the White House grounds with the pontiff aboard. |
| 4.16pm BST | |
| 16:16 | |
| Washington’s soccer team, DC United, has crafted a special team jersey for Pope Francis in honour of his visit. | Washington’s soccer team, DC United, has crafted a special team jersey for Pope Francis in honour of his visit. |
| For those wondering...he's an XL pic.twitter.com/qaJoT9H6ai | For those wondering...he's an XL pic.twitter.com/qaJoT9H6ai |
| It was to be presented to the pontiff today at the White House by Ethel Kennedy, the widow of senator Robert Kennedy, according to the Washington Post. | It was to be presented to the pontiff today at the White House by Ethel Kennedy, the widow of senator Robert Kennedy, according to the Washington Post. |
| Through layers of connections, D.C. United jersey to be presented to Pope (San Lorenzo fan) by Ethel Kennedy at White House on Wed | Through layers of connections, D.C. United jersey to be presented to Pope (San Lorenzo fan) by Ethel Kennedy at White House on Wed |
| 4.10pm BST | |
| 16:10 | |
| Ed Pilkington | Ed Pilkington |
| It was fully expected that Pope Francis would confront the rising anti-immigrant mood in the US as one of the priorities of his visit, writes Guardian chief reporter Ed Pilkington: | It was fully expected that Pope Francis would confront the rising anti-immigrant mood in the US as one of the priorities of his visit, writes Guardian chief reporter Ed Pilkington: |
| We didn’t know that he would do it in the second sentence of his speech on the South Lawn of the White House, jumping right on it. | We didn’t know that he would do it in the second sentence of his speech on the South Lawn of the White House, jumping right on it. |
| “As the son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families,” said the pope. | “As the son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families,” said the pope. |
| Take that, Donald Trump! | Take that, Donald Trump! |
| In just 24 words, the Bishop of Rome managed to pull off of a rhetorical feat that no one else has quite managed with such devastating brevity. He made the debate raging among the Republican presidential candidates – with their talk of building walls and mass deportation – look peripheral, mean-spirited and small. | In just 24 words, the Bishop of Rome managed to pull off of a rhetorical feat that no one else has quite managed with such devastating brevity. He made the debate raging among the Republican presidential candidates – with their talk of building walls and mass deportation – look peripheral, mean-spirited and small. |
| And he was speaking directly to an enormous chunk of the American people, not the rump of “illegal immigrants”, rapists and criminals that Trump suggests. | And he was speaking directly to an enormous chunk of the American people, not the rump of “illegal immigrants”, rapists and criminals that Trump suggests. |
| There are more than 40 million people living in America today who are foreign born, including 11 million who are undocumented; add to that the 37 million US citizens who were born here to foreign-born parents, and you are talking about fully a quarter of the US population. | There are more than 40 million people living in America today who are foreign born, including 11 million who are undocumented; add to that the 37 million US citizens who were born here to foreign-born parents, and you are talking about fully a quarter of the US population. |
| Food for thought on the presidential campaign trail. | Food for thought on the presidential campaign trail. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.19pm BST | |
| 4.09pm BST | |
| 16:09 | |
| After the parade up the Mall, the pope will officiate a midday prayer at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC. | After the parade up the Mall, the pope will officiate a midday prayer at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC. |
| Bishops are already gathering at the cathedral. | Bishops are already gathering at the cathedral. |
| 4.05pm BST | |
| 16:05 | |
| The New York Times has a lovely piece on Monsignor Mark Miles, Pope Francis’ translator. | The New York Times has a lovely piece on Monsignor Mark Miles, Pope Francis’ translator. |
| Of the 18 addresses, speeches and homilies the pope is expected to deliver during his six-day visit to Washington, New York and Philadelphia, only four will be in English, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, a Vatican spokesman, said at a news conference on Tuesday. The rest will be in Spanish. | Of the 18 addresses, speeches and homilies the pope is expected to deliver during his six-day visit to Washington, New York and Philadelphia, only four will be in English, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, a Vatican spokesman, said at a news conference on Tuesday. The rest will be in Spanish. |
| And though the Vatican said subtitles would be used in some cases, it is more than likely that, as in the Philippines, the pope will rely heavily on Monsignor Miles on this trip to turn his comfortable Spanish into smooth English. | And though the Vatican said subtitles would be used in some cases, it is more than likely that, as in the Philippines, the pope will rely heavily on Monsignor Miles on this trip to turn his comfortable Spanish into smooth English. |
| You can read it here. | You can read it here. |
| 3.58pm BST | |
| 15:58 | |
| The pope’s visit has seen a proliferation of pontiff-themed takes on American pop cultural tropes. | The pope’s visit has seen a proliferation of pontiff-themed takes on American pop cultural tropes. |
| Last night, Dan spotted this poster in Washington DC: | Last night, Dan spotted this poster in Washington DC: |
| And one Instagram user spotted this among the crowds outside the White House this morning: | And one Instagram user spotted this among the crowds outside the White House this morning: |
| 3.50pm BST | |
| 15:50 | |
| A huge crowd has gathered on the National Mall to see Pope Francis go by. The parade is due to begin soon. | A huge crowd has gathered on the National Mall to see Pope Francis go by. The parade is due to begin soon. |
| Many of them have been waiting since as early as 5AM. | Many of them have been waiting since as early as 5AM. |
| Now, the energy on the Mall is growing, according to this tweet by the Archdiocese of DC: | Now, the energy on the Mall is growing, according to this tweet by the Archdiocese of DC: |
| The energy is growing on the Mall! #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/9p9Yrrz4wM | The energy is growing on the Mall! #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/9p9Yrrz4wM |
| 3.47pm BST | |
| 15:47 | |
| Not everyone was enamoured of the Pope’s short speech, Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome writes. | Not everyone was enamoured of the Pope’s short speech, Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome writes. |
| The conservative Catholic website http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com sent out a tweet suggesting it sounded more like a talk by former vice president (and climate activist) Al Gore than his holiness. | The conservative Catholic website http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com sent out a tweet suggesting it sounded more like a talk by former vice president (and climate activist) Al Gore than his holiness. |
| Not sure if that was a speech by the head of the Catholic Church or Al Gore ... | Not sure if that was a speech by the head of the Catholic Church or Al Gore ... |
| Expect more backlash from conservative quarters. | Expect more backlash from conservative quarters. |
| 3.43pm BST | |
| 15:43 | |
| Video: ecstatic crowds greet the pope earlier today outside the Vatican embassy. | Video: ecstatic crowds greet the pope earlier today outside the Vatican embassy. |
| .@Pontifex not shying away from the crowd #PopeinDC pic.twitter.com/4lRCXjCgdd | .@Pontifex not shying away from the crowd #PopeinDC pic.twitter.com/4lRCXjCgdd |
| 3.41pm BST | |
| 15:41 | |
| After they spoke, Pope Francis and President Obama held a photo availability in the Oval Office. | After they spoke, Pope Francis and President Obama held a photo availability in the Oval Office. |
| Pres Obama and Pope Francis begin their talks in the Oval Office. pic.twitter.com/uIgyVci0O9 | Pres Obama and Pope Francis begin their talks in the Oval Office. pic.twitter.com/uIgyVci0O9 |
| Pope smiles as Pres Obama tells him the press "much better behaved than usual." pic.twitter.com/d1icUpZ1nR | Pope smiles as Pres Obama tells him the press "much better behaved than usual." pic.twitter.com/d1icUpZ1nR |
| Updated | |
| at 3.46pm BST | |
| 3.36pm BST | |
| 15:36 | |
| The pope and president Obama spoke privately for about 30 minutes. It is not known what exactly they talked about, but as Pope Francis’ biographer points out, they have a connection: | The pope and president Obama spoke privately for about 30 minutes. It is not known what exactly they talked about, but as Pope Francis’ biographer points out, they have a connection: |
| Let us not forget, at this point, that POTUS once worked for the Archdiocese of Chicago. | Let us not forget, at this point, that POTUS once worked for the Archdiocese of Chicago. |
| Now, Obama is giving Pope Francis a tour around the White House before his parade along the Ellipse and along the National Mall. | Now, Obama is giving Pope Francis a tour around the White House before his parade along the Ellipse and along the National Mall. |
| After their private chat, @POTUS shows @PopeFrancis around the White House. pic.twitter.com/h1sP6XoQ6D | After their private chat, @POTUS shows @PopeFrancis around the White House. pic.twitter.com/h1sP6XoQ6D |
| Updated | |
| at 3.40pm BST | |
| 3.34pm BST | |
| 15:34 | |
| Steven W Thrasher | Steven W Thrasher |
| Guardian US writer-at-large Steven Thrasher was also struck by Pope Francis’ invocation of Martin Luther King: | Guardian US writer-at-large Steven Thrasher was also struck by Pope Francis’ invocation of Martin Luther King: |
| So Pope Francis is using MLK to wax poetic on climate change! | So Pope Francis is using MLK to wax poetic on climate change! |
| As with many of his moves on economics, social justice and the environment, I have to admit: as a gay Christian, who was notably not raised Catholic, I have been very interested in Pope Francis. | As with many of his moves on economics, social justice and the environment, I have to admit: as a gay Christian, who was notably not raised Catholic, I have been very interested in Pope Francis. |
| I’m quite interested in how he is shepherding a pretty conservative institution, and creating some spaces of reconciliation. I happened to be on a weeklong meditation retreat at the Taize community in France around the time he became pope, and the brothers there were very excited because he was (and continues to be) supportive of the community’s protestant/Catholic reconciling ways, and they ways they attempt to reconcile with other faiths. | I’m quite interested in how he is shepherding a pretty conservative institution, and creating some spaces of reconciliation. I happened to be on a weeklong meditation retreat at the Taize community in France around the time he became pope, and the brothers there were very excited because he was (and continues to be) supportive of the community’s protestant/Catholic reconciling ways, and they ways they attempt to reconcile with other faiths. |
| I’m the rare gay who was raised with everything good, and nothing bad, about organized religion and Christianity. The (mostly Protestant and interdenominational) Christian communities of my youth and young adult life were pretty good about homosexuality, and the gospel choir I sang in for years sang in the New York Pride March. I have none of the baggage of those raised in the Catholic church, who were shunned when they pushed up against its anti-gay and anti-feminist messages. | I’m the rare gay who was raised with everything good, and nothing bad, about organized religion and Christianity. The (mostly Protestant and interdenominational) Christian communities of my youth and young adult life were pretty good about homosexuality, and the gospel choir I sang in for years sang in the New York Pride March. I have none of the baggage of those raised in the Catholic church, who were shunned when they pushed up against its anti-gay and anti-feminist messages. |
| So somewhat removed from the Catholic church, but still very interested in and connected to it, I am appreciating how Pope Francis is doing with world Catholicism what MLK and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference did with Christianity in the United States, which aren’t very different. | So somewhat removed from the Catholic church, but still very interested in and connected to it, I am appreciating how Pope Francis is doing with world Catholicism what MLK and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference did with Christianity in the United States, which aren’t very different. |
| Pope Francis is appealing to some of the best ways Jesus’s teachings in the gospel can be guides for thinking about social justice here on earth. He is looking for the concrete ways to morally push political and economic forces to be more kind, on behalf of those with less power. And he seems pretty keenly aware of how to maximize this in the political sphere. | Pope Francis is appealing to some of the best ways Jesus’s teachings in the gospel can be guides for thinking about social justice here on earth. He is looking for the concrete ways to morally push political and economic forces to be more kind, on behalf of those with less power. And he seems pretty keenly aware of how to maximize this in the political sphere. |
| The pontiff’s push for reconciliation between the US and Cuba, his welcoming of the Iran deal, his strong push for migration justice and his historic encyclical on climate change are examples of the way faith – so often this nebulous and irrational sticking point in human exchange – can actually have a positive, large impact on the plight of the poor across borders. | The pontiff’s push for reconciliation between the US and Cuba, his welcoming of the Iran deal, his strong push for migration justice and his historic encyclical on climate change are examples of the way faith – so often this nebulous and irrational sticking point in human exchange – can actually have a positive, large impact on the plight of the poor across borders. |
| And I love that he called unbridled capitalism the ‘dung of the devil’. What a euphemism for calling it Satan’s excrement! This is social-justice/Christian shade being thrown at greed on par with MLK. | And I love that he called unbridled capitalism the ‘dung of the devil’. What a euphemism for calling it Satan’s excrement! This is social-justice/Christian shade being thrown at greed on par with MLK. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.51pm BST | |
| 3.30pm BST | |
| 15:30 | |
| Pope Francis heads to the Oval Office with Obama | Pope Francis heads to the Oval Office with Obama |
| Pres Obama escorts Pope Francis on leisurely walk down the colonnade to the Oval Office. pic.twitter.com/St9Hl7Dg2O | Pres Obama escorts Pope Francis on leisurely walk down the colonnade to the Oval Office. pic.twitter.com/St9Hl7Dg2O |
| The pontiff will now meet privately with the president. | The pontiff will now meet privately with the president. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.57pm BST | |
| 3.29pm BST | |
| 15:29 | |
| Pope Francis, the president, and the first lady wave from the White House portico. | Pope Francis, the president, and the first lady wave from the White House portico. |
| .@FLOTUS, Pope Francis and @POTUS wave to the crowd gathered outside the White House #PopeinDC pic.twitter.com/45XpE8T0Al | .@FLOTUS, Pope Francis and @POTUS wave to the crowd gathered outside the White House #PopeinDC pic.twitter.com/45XpE8T0Al |
| 3.20pm BST | |
| 15:20 | |
| Pope Francis devoted a chunk of his remarks at the White House to religious freedom, writes Guardian religion correspondent Harriet Sherwood. | Pope Francis devoted a chunk of his remarks at the White House to religious freedom, writes Guardian religion correspondent Harriet Sherwood. |
| It’s interesting not so much for what he says – you’d expect the Pope to defend religious freedom - but that this is such a clear point of tension between President Obama and America’s religious right. | It’s interesting not so much for what he says – you’d expect the Pope to defend religious freedom - but that this is such a clear point of tension between President Obama and America’s religious right. |
| Francis said the right to religious liberty “remains one of America’s most precious possessions. And, as my brothers, the United States Bishops, have reminded us, all are called to be vigilant, precisely as good citizens, to preserve and defend that freedom from everything that would threaten or compromise [it].” | Francis said the right to religious liberty “remains one of America’s most precious possessions. And, as my brothers, the United States Bishops, have reminded us, all are called to be vigilant, precisely as good citizens, to preserve and defend that freedom from everything that would threaten or compromise [it].” |
| But Obama wisely pre-empted some of this, saying – before Francis spoke - “people are only free if they can practice their faith freely”. He added: “Here in the US we cherish religious liberty” and “we stand with you in defence of religious freedom”. | But Obama wisely pre-empted some of this, saying – before Francis spoke - “people are only free if they can practice their faith freely”. He added: “Here in the US we cherish religious liberty” and “we stand with you in defence of religious freedom”. |
| Both men may have been referring to the persecution of Christians around the world, particularly in the Middle East, and the difficulties faced by other religions in practicing their faith. | Both men may have been referring to the persecution of Christians around the world, particularly in the Middle East, and the difficulties faced by other religions in practicing their faith. |
| But it’s also an issue in the US, one which has been playing out in Kentucky over recent weeks, where county clerk Kim Davis was briefly jailed for refusing to sign gay marriage certificates, citing religious belief. The case has become a rallying point for the religious right – and expect to see more cases in the future. | But it’s also an issue in the US, one which has been playing out in Kentucky over recent weeks, where county clerk Kim Davis was briefly jailed for refusing to sign gay marriage certificates, citing religious belief. The case has become a rallying point for the religious right – and expect to see more cases in the future. |
| The Archbishop of Philadelphia Charles Chaput recently told the Guardian: “The current White House is the least friendly to religious freedom in our history.” | The Archbishop of Philadelphia Charles Chaput recently told the Guardian: “The current White House is the least friendly to religious freedom in our history.” |
| 3.19pm BST | |
| 15:19 | |
| CNBC this morning split their screens between the Pope’s address and the stock market opening... | CNBC this morning split their screens between the Pope’s address and the stock market opening... |
| I'm guessing CNBC split screen of Pope and market open is unintentional irony. pic.twitter.com/BAZrHhXawf | I'm guessing CNBC split screen of Pope and market open is unintentional irony. pic.twitter.com/BAZrHhXawf |
| 3.12pm BST | |
| 15:12 | |
| A great shot of the assembled crowds and media on the South Lawn. | A great shot of the assembled crowds and media on the South Lawn. |
| 3.04pm BST | |
| 15:04 | |
| A quick take from DC bureau chief Dan Roberts at the White House: | A quick take from DC bureau chief Dan Roberts at the White House: |
| In accented, carefully-enunciated, opening remarks, the Pope instantly provoked cheers from the crowd by reminding them that he too was an immigrant and that America was a country built on immigration. In pre-released drafts of the speech issued by the Vatican it was hard to tell how much his remarks would deliver a political punch. | In accented, carefully-enunciated, opening remarks, the Pope instantly provoked cheers from the crowd by reminding them that he too was an immigrant and that America was a country built on immigration. In pre-released drafts of the speech issued by the Vatican it was hard to tell how much his remarks would deliver a political punch. |
| But there was something about the slow, deliberate diction of the speech and warm enthusiastic reaction of the Washington audience that gave the section on climate change, in particular, a momentous feel. | But there was something about the slow, deliberate diction of the speech and warm enthusiastic reaction of the Washington audience that gave the section on climate change, in particular, a momentous feel. |
| Yet the Pope also made clear he would not shy away from challenging his liberal hosts on other issues too - pointedly pledging to address the “institution of marriage” in future remarks that will be closely scrutinised for criticism of recent US breakthroughs in same-sex marriage equality. More conservative Americans may also draw solace from the Pope’s reference to the need to protect religious liberty, something many believe is infringed by requiring state officials to recognise same sex unions despite any personal objections they may have. | Yet the Pope also made clear he would not shy away from challenging his liberal hosts on other issues too - pointedly pledging to address the “institution of marriage” in future remarks that will be closely scrutinised for criticism of recent US breakthroughs in same-sex marriage equality. More conservative Americans may also draw solace from the Pope’s reference to the need to protect religious liberty, something many believe is infringed by requiring state officials to recognise same sex unions despite any personal objections they may have. |
| But the welcoming event on the South Lawn concluded with a stirring choral performance that transcended the political elements of the speech. “We love you Pope Francis,” shouted a lone male voice across the lawn at the end of the ceremony, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd before, once again, a military brass band struck up. | But the welcoming event on the South Lawn concluded with a stirring choral performance that transcended the political elements of the speech. “We love you Pope Francis,” shouted a lone male voice across the lawn at the end of the ceremony, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd before, once again, a military brass band struck up. |
| 2.57pm BST | |
| 14:57 | |
| Some quick analysis from Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome. | Some quick analysis from Stephanie Kirchgaessner in Rome. |
| The pope’s explicit reference to the Obama administration new proposed regulations makes the comments the most politically charged remarks since Francis began his journey to Cuba and the US, she says. | The pope’s explicit reference to the Obama administration new proposed regulations makes the comments the most politically charged remarks since Francis began his journey to Cuba and the US, she says. |
| While in Cuba, he encouraged leaders of both countries to keep striving for reconciliation, but he steered clear of any direct references to political controversies on either side, including the trade embargo, and did not meet with political dissidents. While his support for the new rules are not surprising, given his views on the need for environmental action, it is unusual for the Pope to speak about specific pieces of legislation, just as he does not usually mention politicians by name. | While in Cuba, he encouraged leaders of both countries to keep striving for reconciliation, but he steered clear of any direct references to political controversies on either side, including the trade embargo, and did not meet with political dissidents. While his support for the new rules are not surprising, given his views on the need for environmental action, it is unusual for the Pope to speak about specific pieces of legislation, just as he does not usually mention politicians by name. |
| It is also noteworthy that Francis began his address at the White House identifying himself as the “son of an immigrant”. Although he has never been to the country before, it appeared to be an attempt to mark a common connection with other Americans, and to speak to a commonality with those immigrants who face economic hardships and discrimination. | It is also noteworthy that Francis began his address at the White House identifying himself as the “son of an immigrant”. Although he has never been to the country before, it appeared to be an attempt to mark a common connection with other Americans, and to speak to a commonality with those immigrants who face economic hardships and discrimination. |
| He spoke, too, of efforts by American Catholics to build a society that is “truly tolerant and inclusive, to safeguarding the rights of individuals and communities, and to reject every form of unjust discrimination”. | He spoke, too, of efforts by American Catholics to build a society that is “truly tolerant and inclusive, to safeguarding the rights of individuals and communities, and to reject every form of unjust discrimination”. |
| It was a statement that could be interpreted in many ways, including the role Catholic charities have played in low income communities and, in particular, helping immigrants. | It was a statement that could be interpreted in many ways, including the role Catholic charities have played in low income communities and, in particular, helping immigrants. |
| In the US, the words tolerance and inclusivity are also used in reference to the civil rights challenges facing gay and lesbian Americans, and some may note that many Catholic organizations have played an active role in trying to block advancements in gay rights and marriage equality. | In the US, the words tolerance and inclusivity are also used in reference to the civil rights challenges facing gay and lesbian Americans, and some may note that many Catholic organizations have played an active role in trying to block advancements in gay rights and marriage equality. |
| 2.56pm BST | |
| 14:56 | |
| Afterwards, the pope and president shake hands and sit side-by-side, as a choir sings. | Afterwards, the pope and president shake hands and sit side-by-side, as a choir sings. |
| "God Bless America," says the Pope at conclusion of his remarks. Shakes hands with @POTUS. pic.twitter.com/az4sazwu5F | "God Bless America," says the Pope at conclusion of his remarks. Shakes hands with @POTUS. pic.twitter.com/az4sazwu5F |
| 2.53pm BST | |
| 14:53 | |
| “Mr President, once again I thank you for your welcome, and I look forward to these days in your country,” Pope Francis says. | “Mr President, once again I thank you for your welcome, and I look forward to these days in your country,” Pope Francis says. |
| He concludes with “God bless America.” | He concludes with “God bless America.” |
| 2.52pm BST | |
| 14:52 | |
| Pope Francis just made an oblique reference, certainly to the rapprochement with Cuba, but also perhaps to Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran: | Pope Francis just made an oblique reference, certainly to the rapprochement with Cuba, but also perhaps to Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran: |
| Mr President, the efforts which were recently made to mend broken relations and to open new doors to cooperation within our human family represent positive steps along the path of reconciliation, justice and freedom. | Mr President, the efforts which were recently made to mend broken relations and to open new doors to cooperation within our human family represent positive steps along the path of reconciliation, justice and freedom. |
| I would like all men and women of good will in this great nation to support the efforts of the international community to protect the vulnerable in our world and to stimulate integral and inclusive models of development [applause] so that our brothers and sisters everywhere may know the blessings of peace and prosperity which God wills for all his children. | I would like all men and women of good will in this great nation to support the efforts of the international community to protect the vulnerable in our world and to stimulate integral and inclusive models of development [applause] so that our brothers and sisters everywhere may know the blessings of peace and prosperity which God wills for all his children. |
| 2.50pm BST | |
| 14:50 | |
| Dan Roberts | Dan Roberts |
| Here’s Washington bureau chief Dan Roberts with the view from the White House lawn: | Here’s Washington bureau chief Dan Roberts with the view from the White House lawn: |
| A ripple of whoops and cheers swept around the south lawn as the pope’s familiar white cassock was first spotted against the cream of the White House colonnade. | A ripple of whoops and cheers swept around the south lawn as the pope’s familiar white cassock was first spotted against the cream of the White House colonnade. |
| Despite the pomp of military brass bands and Vatican anthem, there is a relaxed atmosphere to the first public event of this highly-anticipated visit. | Despite the pomp of military brass bands and Vatican anthem, there is a relaxed atmosphere to the first public event of this highly-anticipated visit. |
| Many of the thousands of visitors who have flocked to Washington to catch a glimpse view this papacy as a unifying one that helps underline the role of spirituality in public life. | Many of the thousands of visitors who have flocked to Washington to catch a glimpse view this papacy as a unifying one that helps underline the role of spirituality in public life. |
| Nonetheless the sight of the moral leader of millions praising specific – and vexed – environmental regulations alongside Obama will be an uncomfortable one for many Republicans who had hoped there would be a less explicit political message ... especially at a welcoming ceremony that is only a taste of what might be to come when Pope Francis addresses Congress on Thursday. | Nonetheless the sight of the moral leader of millions praising specific – and vexed – environmental regulations alongside Obama will be an uncomfortable one for many Republicans who had hoped there would be a less explicit political message ... especially at a welcoming ceremony that is only a taste of what might be to come when Pope Francis addresses Congress on Thursday. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.55pm BST | |
| 2.50pm BST | |
| 14:50 | |
| Francis enlists spirit of MLK to call for urgent action on climate change | Francis enlists spirit of MLK to call for urgent action on climate change |
| Here’s the passage everyone will be talking about from the pope on climate change today. Francis has called for a grand movement of social change – and invoked the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr: | Here’s the passage everyone will be talking about from the pope on climate change today. Francis has called for a grand movement of social change – and invoked the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr: |
| Such change demands on our part a serious and responsible recognition not only of the kind of world we may be leaving to our children, but also to the millions of people living under a system which has overlooked them. | Such change demands on our part a serious and responsible recognition not only of the kind of world we may be leaving to our children, but also to the millions of people living under a system which has overlooked them. |
| Our common home has been part of this group of the excluded which cries out to heaven and which today powerfully strikes our homes, our cities, our societies. | Our common home has been part of this group of the excluded which cries out to heaven and which today powerfully strikes our homes, our cities, our societies. |
| To use a telling phrase of the Reverend Martin Luther King, we can say that we have defaulted on a promissory note and now is the time to honour it. | To use a telling phrase of the Reverend Martin Luther King, we can say that we have defaulted on a promissory note and now is the time to honour it. |
| The pope is making it very clear – and we were not expecting him to be this political, this early in the trip – that in his view, action on global warming is not just a crucial need, but a supreme moral compunction. | The pope is making it very clear – and we were not expecting him to be this political, this early in the trip – that in his view, action on global warming is not just a crucial need, but a supreme moral compunction. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.53pm BST | |
| 2.49pm BST | |
| 14:49 | |
| Here is the key part of the pope’s public White House remarks now: Francis is speaking about climate change. This is strong, challenging language. | Here is the key part of the pope’s public White House remarks now: Francis is speaking about climate change. This is strong, challenging language. |
| “Mr President, I find it encouraging that you are proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution,” Francis says. | “Mr President, I find it encouraging that you are proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution,” Francis says. |
| There are loud cheers in the lawn. | There are loud cheers in the lawn. |
| He is referring, presumably, to this plan by Obama on clean power. It’s not every day you see a pontiff talking US energy policy. | He is referring, presumably, to this plan by Obama on clean power. It’s not every day you see a pontiff talking US energy policy. |
| Francis continues, in careful English: | Francis continues, in careful English: |
| Accepting the urgency, it seems clear to me also that climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation. | Accepting the urgency, it seems clear to me also that climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation. |
| When it comes to the care of our common home, we are living at a critical moment of history. | When it comes to the care of our common home, we are living at a critical moment of history. |
| We still have time to make the changes needed to bring about a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change. | We still have time to make the changes needed to bring about a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.50pm BST | |
| 2.47pm BST | |
| 14:47 | |
| Francis says: | Francis says: |
| Mr President, together with their fellow citizens, American Catholics are committed to building a society which is truly tolerant and inclusive, to safeguarding the rights of individuals and communities, and to rejecting every form of unjust discrimination. | Mr President, together with their fellow citizens, American Catholics are committed to building a society which is truly tolerant and inclusive, to safeguarding the rights of individuals and communities, and to rejecting every form of unjust discrimination. |
| Francis: Good morning! #PopeInDC. Live now at Crux: http://t.co/V89YSaniCX pic.twitter.com/GiaMDO9Dap | Francis: Good morning! #PopeInDC. Live now at Crux: http://t.co/V89YSaniCX pic.twitter.com/GiaMDO9Dap |
| Updated | |
| at 2.48pm BST | |
| 2.46pm BST | |
| 14:46 | |
| Pres Obama joins in applauding the Pope as he takes the lectern to deliver his remarks. pic.twitter.com/xUWaS1H6YI | Pres Obama joins in applauding the Pope as he takes the lectern to deliver his remarks. pic.twitter.com/xUWaS1H6YI |
| 2.45pm BST | |
| 14:45 | |
| The pope says: | The pope says: |
| I look forward to these days of encounter and dialogue, in which I hope to listen to, and share, many of the hopes and dreams of the American people. | I look forward to these days of encounter and dialogue, in which I hope to listen to, and share, many of the hopes and dreams of the American people. |
| During my visit I will have the honor of addressing Congress, where I hope, as a brother of this country, to offer words of encouragement to those called to guide the nation’s political future in fidelity to its founding principles. | During my visit I will have the honor of addressing Congress, where I hope, as a brother of this country, to offer words of encouragement to those called to guide the nation’s political future in fidelity to its founding principles. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.47pm BST | |
| 2.44pm BST | |
| 14:44 | |
| Pope Francis is speaking now. | Pope Francis is speaking now. |
| “Good morning,” he begins. “I am deeply grateful for your welcome in the name of all Americans. As the son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families.” | “Good morning,” he begins. “I am deeply grateful for your welcome in the name of all Americans. As the son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families.” |
| 2.43pm BST | |
| 14:43 | |
| Obama ends on a glowing tribute. | Obama ends on a glowing tribute. |
| You shake our conscience from slumber; you call on us to rejoice in Good News, and give us confidence that we can come together, in humility and service, and pursue a world that is more loving, more just, and more free. Here at home and around the world, may our generation heed your call to “never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope!” | You shake our conscience from slumber; you call on us to rejoice in Good News, and give us confidence that we can come together, in humility and service, and pursue a world that is more loving, more just, and more free. Here at home and around the world, may our generation heed your call to “never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope!” |
| For that great gift of hope, Holy Father, we thank you, and welcome you, with joy and gratitude, to the United States of America. | For that great gift of hope, Holy Father, we thank you, and welcome you, with joy and gratitude, to the United States of America. |
| .@BarackObama speaking to @Pontifex now at White House. #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/wfeqZ17mg7 | .@BarackObama speaking to @Pontifex now at White House. #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/wfeqZ17mg7 |
| “For that great gift of hope Holy Father, we thank you…” - President Obama tells Pope Francis #PopeInUS pic.twitter.com/YJMrW4KvxF | “For that great gift of hope Holy Father, we thank you…” - President Obama tells Pope Francis #PopeInUS pic.twitter.com/YJMrW4KvxF |
| Updated | |
| at 2.46pm BST | |
| 2.41pm BST | |
| 14:41 | |
| Obama is now talking about the pope’s commitment to climate change - one of Francis’s favourite issues. | Obama is now talking about the pope’s commitment to climate change - one of Francis’s favourite issues. |
| And, Holy Father, you remind us that we have a sacred obligation to protect our planet – God’s magnificent gift to us. We support your call to all world leaders to support the communities most vulnerable to a changing climate and to come together to preserve our precious world for future generations. | And, Holy Father, you remind us that we have a sacred obligation to protect our planet – God’s magnificent gift to us. We support your call to all world leaders to support the communities most vulnerable to a changing climate and to come together to preserve our precious world for future generations. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.42pm BST | |
| 2.40pm BST | |
| 14:40 | |
| Obama says he is also grateful for the pope’s support for “our new beginning with the Cuban people, which holds out the promise of better relations between our countries, greater cooperation across our hemisphere, and a better life for the Cuban people.” | Obama says he is also grateful for the pope’s support for “our new beginning with the Cuban people, which holds out the promise of better relations between our countries, greater cooperation across our hemisphere, and a better life for the Cuban people.” |
| Updated | |
| at 2.40pm BST | |
| 2.39pm BST | |
| 14:39 | |
| “You call on all of us, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, to put the ‘least of these’ at the center of our concern,” Obama says, talking about scripture’s call to “lift up the poor and the marginalized, to stand up for justice and against inequality.” | “You call on all of us, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, to put the ‘least of these’ at the center of our concern,” Obama says, talking about scripture’s call to “lift up the poor and the marginalized, to stand up for justice and against inequality.” |
| You remind us that ‘the Lord’s most powerful message’ is mercy. That means welcoming the stranger with empathy and a truly open heart – from the refugee who flees wartorn lands, to the immigrant who leaves home in search of a better life. It means showing compassion and love for the marginalized and the outcast, those who have suffered, and those who seek redemption. | You remind us that ‘the Lord’s most powerful message’ is mercy. That means welcoming the stranger with empathy and a truly open heart – from the refugee who flees wartorn lands, to the immigrant who leaves home in search of a better life. It means showing compassion and love for the marginalized and the outcast, those who have suffered, and those who seek redemption. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.40pm BST | |
| 2.38pm BST | |
| 14:38 | |
| 2.37pm BST | |
| 14:37 | |
| Obama now plays tribute to the “unique qualities” of Pope Francis personally. | Obama now plays tribute to the “unique qualities” of Pope Francis personally. |
| In your humility, your embrace of simplicity, the gentleness of your words and the generosity of your spirit, we see a living example of Jesus’s teachings, a leader whose moral authority comes not just through words but also through deeds. | In your humility, your embrace of simplicity, the gentleness of your words and the generosity of your spirit, we see a living example of Jesus’s teachings, a leader whose moral authority comes not just through words but also through deeds. |
| Pope Francis sits beside the podium, listening intently. | Pope Francis sits beside the podium, listening intently. |
| "It is my great honor & privilege to welcome you to the United States of America," says Pres Obama at start of speech pic.twitter.com/8R37Xmq2Zh | "It is my great honor & privilege to welcome you to the United States of America," says Pres Obama at start of speech pic.twitter.com/8R37Xmq2Zh |
| Updated | |
| at 2.38pm BST | |
| 2.36pm BST | |
| 14:36 | |
| The president says the visit allows him to reciprocate the pope’s hospitality from his visit to the Vatican last year. | The president says the visit allows him to reciprocate the pope’s hospitality from his visit to the Vatican last year. |
| It also reveals how much all Americans, from every background and of every faith, value the role that the Catholic Church plays in strengthening America. | It also reveals how much all Americans, from every background and of every faith, value the role that the Catholic Church plays in strengthening America. |
| From my time working in impoverished neighborhoods with the Catholic Church in Chicago, to my travels as President, I’ve seen firsthand how, every day, Catholic communities, priests, nuns, and laity feed the hungry, heal the sick, shelter the homeless, educate our children, and fortify the faith that sustains so many. | From my time working in impoverished neighborhoods with the Catholic Church in Chicago, to my travels as President, I’ve seen firsthand how, every day, Catholic communities, priests, nuns, and laity feed the hungry, heal the sick, shelter the homeless, educate our children, and fortify the faith that sustains so many. |
| What is true in America is true around the world. From the busy streets of Buenos Aires to remote villages in Kenya, Catholic organizations serve the poor, minister to prisoners, build schools and homes, and operate orphanages and hospitals. | What is true in America is true around the world. From the busy streets of Buenos Aires to remote villages in Kenya, Catholic organizations serve the poor, minister to prisoners, build schools and homes, and operate orphanages and hospitals. |
| And just as the Church has stood with those struggling to break the chains of poverty, it has given voice and hope to those seeking to break the chains of violence and oppression. | And just as the Church has stood with those struggling to break the chains of poverty, it has given voice and hope to those seeking to break the chains of violence and oppression. |
| 2.34pm BST | |
| 14:34 | |
| Today, we mark many firsts. Your Holiness, you have been celebrated as the first Pope from the Americas. This is your first visit to the United States. And you are also the first pontiff to share an Encyclical through a Twitter account. | Today, we mark many firsts. Your Holiness, you have been celebrated as the first Pope from the Americas. This is your first visit to the United States. And you are also the first pontiff to share an Encyclical through a Twitter account. |
| Obama: On behalf of the American people, welcome to the United States of America. pic.twitter.com/iZNpQoEJxD | Obama: On behalf of the American people, welcome to the United States of America. pic.twitter.com/iZNpQoEJxD |
| 2.34pm BST | |
| 14:34 | |
| Obama welcomes the pope to the White House. | Obama welcomes the pope to the White House. |
| “I should explain that our backyard is not typically this crowded,” he jokes. | “I should explain that our backyard is not typically this crowded,” he jokes. |
| But the size and spirit of today’s gathering is just a small reflection of the deep devotion of some 70 million American Catholics. | But the size and spirit of today’s gathering is just a small reflection of the deep devotion of some 70 million American Catholics. |
| It reflects as well the way your message of love and hope has inspired so many people, across our nation and around the world. | It reflects as well the way your message of love and hope has inspired so many people, across our nation and around the world. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.35pm BST | |
| 2.32pm BST | |
| 14:32 | |
| Obama begins his address | Obama begins his address |
| “Good morning! What a beautiful day the Lord has made,” Obama says. | “Good morning! What a beautiful day the Lord has made,” Obama says. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.33pm BST | |
| 2.31pm BST | |
| 14:31 | |
| A marching band passes, in full revolutionary regalia. A jaunty tune plays on the flute. It is Yankee Doodle. | A marching band passes, in full revolutionary regalia. A jaunty tune plays on the flute. It is Yankee Doodle. |
| Pres Obama and the Pope look on as Fife & Drum Corps perform salute - including Yankee Doodle. pic.twitter.com/y4XpFFKaQj | Pres Obama and the Pope look on as Fife & Drum Corps perform salute - including Yankee Doodle. pic.twitter.com/y4XpFFKaQj |
| Updated | |
| at 2.33pm BST | |
| 2.26pm BST | |
| 14:26 | |
| Pres. Obama and Pope Francis listen to the national anthem of the Holy See #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/nZ3C7szuvO | Pres. Obama and Pope Francis listen to the national anthem of the Holy See #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/nZ3C7szuvO |
| 2.24pm BST | |
| 14:24 | |
| The pope arrives, in the now-famous Fiat 500 that is serving as his transport. | The pope arrives, in the now-famous Fiat 500 that is serving as his transport. |
| He greets the Obamas, and they head for the dais for the national anthems of the Vatican and the United States. | He greets the Obamas, and they head for the dais for the national anthems of the Vatican and the United States. |
| Ripple of whoops and cheers sweeps over the south lawn as the Pope is spotted | Ripple of whoops and cheers sweeps over the south lawn as the Pope is spotted |
| A Fiat 500 pulls up to the White House ... #PopeInUs. pic.twitter.com/TAcdwpronh | A Fiat 500 pulls up to the White House ... #PopeInUs. pic.twitter.com/TAcdwpronh |
| 2.22pm BST | |
| 14:22 | |
| The Obamas ready to welcome #PopeInUS. pic.twitter.com/vbh9087FLf | The Obamas ready to welcome #PopeInUS. pic.twitter.com/vbh9087FLf |
| 2.21pm BST | |
| 14:21 | |
| The Obamas emerge as the military band plays Hail to the Chief. | The Obamas emerge as the military band plays Hail to the Chief. |
| Cheers from the crowd. | Cheers from the crowd. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.22pm BST | |
| 2.20pm BST | |
| 14:20 | |
| WH reports crowd count at 11,000 ticketed guests -- not including staff, military, volunteers or press. pic.twitter.com/RzDk7snMzN | WH reports crowd count at 11,000 ticketed guests -- not including staff, military, volunteers or press. pic.twitter.com/RzDk7snMzN |
| 2.12pm BST | |
| 14:12 | |
| More from Dan Roberts on the White House South Lawn: | More from Dan Roberts on the White House South Lawn: |
| Many of the guests at the ticketed-event the south lawn said they saw the Pope as a unifying figure. | Many of the guests at the ticketed-event the south lawn said they saw the Pope as a unifying figure. |
| “He is particularly good at bringing young people together who are not necessarily the most devout,” said Katharine Connolly, a 23-year-old law student at Georgetown University. | “He is particularly good at bringing young people together who are not necessarily the most devout,” said Katharine Connolly, a 23-year-old law student at Georgetown University. |
| “It’s a once in a lifetime event,” added Alexander Kurien, 51, a government worker also from DC. “I really feel he is a reflection of Christ: he lives by example.” | “It’s a once in a lifetime event,” added Alexander Kurien, 51, a government worker also from DC. “I really feel he is a reflection of Christ: he lives by example.” |
| 2.10pm BST | |
| 14:10 | |
| Moments from now, Pope Francis and president Barack Obama will emerge from this door to address the nation. | Moments from now, Pope Francis and president Barack Obama will emerge from this door to address the nation. |
| Scene of pomp at the White House, waiting for @Pontifex's arrival. #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/4DMH1Zgzsb | Scene of pomp at the White House, waiting for @Pontifex's arrival. #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/4DMH1Zgzsb |
| 2.00pm BST | |
| 14:00 | |
| #PopeInDC not just shaking hands. He's listening to people, responding, moving in close pic.twitter.com/4VEzMJmJRh | #PopeInDC not just shaking hands. He's listening to people, responding, moving in close pic.twitter.com/4VEzMJmJRh |
| 1.59pm BST | |
| 13:59 | |
| The pontiff is slowly making his way down the long line of people waiting to greet him, shaking hands and kissing heads. Lots of smiles in the bright September sunshine. | The pontiff is slowly making his way down the long line of people waiting to greet him, shaking hands and kissing heads. Lots of smiles in the bright September sunshine. |
| Pope Francis immediately walks to greet the crowd in DC #PopeinDC pic.twitter.com/q1LkJvhKs9 | Pope Francis immediately walks to greet the crowd in DC #PopeinDC pic.twitter.com/q1LkJvhKs9 |
| 1.55pm BST | |
| 13:55 | |
| Another view from Dan on the South Lawn. “I have never seen so many people crammed in one garden,” he writes. | Another view from Dan on the South Lawn. “I have never seen so many people crammed in one garden,” he writes. |
| 1.55pm BST | |
| 13:55 | |
| The pope has just emerged and is now greeting fans | The pope has just emerged and is now greeting fans |
| Vice-president Joe Biden is sitting in the front row, chatting amiably with a group of cardinals in the row behind. Secretary of state John Kerry is sat a couple of seats next to him. | Vice-president Joe Biden is sitting in the front row, chatting amiably with a group of cardinals in the row behind. Secretary of state John Kerry is sat a couple of seats next to him. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.04pm BST | |
| 1.53pm BST | |
| 13:53 | |
| Don’t forget, throughout the day you can follow Pope Francis’ movements using the Guardian’s nifty Pope Tracker interactive: | Don’t forget, throughout the day you can follow Pope Francis’ movements using the Guardian’s nifty Pope Tracker interactive: |
| 1.47pm BST | |
| 13:47 | |
| This is the view on the South Lawn: | This is the view on the South Lawn: |
| 1.44pm BST | |
| 13:44 | |
| The Guardian’s DC bureau chief Dan Roberts is at the White House, and files this report: | The Guardian’s DC bureau chief Dan Roberts is at the White House, and files this report: |
| A crowd of over one hundred journalists was led out to the South Lawn of the White House shortly after 8.30AM eastern time (1:30PM GMT), where the formal garden had already filled up with an unprecedented audience of nearly 15,000 crammed into temporary seating or standing behind metal crush barriers. | A crowd of over one hundred journalists was led out to the South Lawn of the White House shortly after 8.30AM eastern time (1:30PM GMT), where the formal garden had already filled up with an unprecedented audience of nearly 15,000 crammed into temporary seating or standing behind metal crush barriers. |
| Obama officials have stressed that invites were drawn up with help from US Catholic groups and reject criticism that the presence of several gay clerics was intended to embarrass the Pope. | Obama officials have stressed that invites were drawn up with help from US Catholic groups and reject criticism that the presence of several gay clerics was intended to embarrass the Pope. |
| A military band broke the hushed silence on a sunny day, but crowd members behind the media pen sighed when journalists were positioned in front of their view. There are several children in the crowd and many are waving US and Vatican flags. | A military band broke the hushed silence on a sunny day, but crowd members behind the media pen sighed when journalists were positioned in front of their view. There are several children in the crowd and many are waving US and Vatican flags. |
| 1.37pm BST | |
| 13:37 | |
| The detailed schedule for this morning, as released by the White House, is as follows: | The detailed schedule for this morning, as released by the White House, is as follows: |
| In the morning, the President and the First Lady will welcome His Holiness Pope Francis to the White House. The Vice President and Dr. Biden will also attend. The arrival ceremony on the South Lawn is open to pre-credentialed press. The deadline to request media credentials has passed. | In the morning, the President and the First Lady will welcome His Holiness Pope Francis to the White House. The Vice President and Dr. Biden will also attend. The arrival ceremony on the South Lawn is open to pre-credentialed press. The deadline to request media credentials has passed. |
| Later in the morning, the President will hold a bilateral meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis in the Oval Office. There will be a pool spray at the top of the meeting. | Later in the morning, the President will hold a bilateral meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis in the Oval Office. There will be a pool spray at the top of the meeting. |
| Afterwards, the President will have lunch with the Vice President in the Private Dining Room. This lunch is closed press. | Afterwards, the President will have lunch with the Vice President in the Private Dining Room. This lunch is closed press. |
| 1.33pm BST | |
| 13:33 | |
| The dais where president Obama and Pope Francis will address the nation is being prepared. | The dais where president Obama and Pope Francis will address the nation is being prepared. |
| Pope will walk here in a little over an hr. Young Alice Salt is making sure the carpet is ready for him :) #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/w7HOE3OnlL | Pope will walk here in a little over an hr. Young Alice Salt is making sure the carpet is ready for him :) #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/w7HOE3OnlL |
| 1.23pm BST | |
| 13:23 | |
| Seeing Bernie Sanders may put you in mind of this video from the pope’s flight from Cuba to the US yesterday, which shows the pontiff telling reporters that impressions of him being “a bit of a leftie” are wrong. | Seeing Bernie Sanders may put you in mind of this video from the pope’s flight from Cuba to the US yesterday, which shows the pontiff telling reporters that impressions of him being “a bit of a leftie” are wrong. |
| He said his true doctrine, on issues ranging from the environment to social justice, is that of the church. ‘If it is necessary for me to recite the Creed, I am willing to do it,’ he joked. | He said his true doctrine, on issues ranging from the environment to social justice, is that of the church. ‘If it is necessary for me to recite the Creed, I am willing to do it,’ he joked. |
| 1.12pm BST | |
| 13:12 | |
| Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is talking to CNN’s Chris Cuomo on the south lawn of the White House. | Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is talking to CNN’s Chris Cuomo on the south lawn of the White House. |
| He speaks admirably about Pope Francis’ outspoken positions on climate change. “He doesnt have to do this but he is saying it - fossil fuel is changing our envirnoment and we must address it,” Sanders says. “That’s what I admire about this pope.” | He speaks admirably about Pope Francis’ outspoken positions on climate change. “He doesnt have to do this but he is saying it - fossil fuel is changing our envirnoment and we must address it,” Sanders says. “That’s what I admire about this pope.” |
| Cuomo asks Sanders about Republican candidate Dr. Ben Carson’s comment a couple of days ago that he would not support a Muslim for president. | Cuomo asks Sanders about Republican candidate Dr. Ben Carson’s comment a couple of days ago that he would not support a Muslim for president. |
| “How long did it take to elect a Catholic?” Sanders asks. “1960. And people said he’d be working for the pope. How long did it take to elect an African-American?” He called Carson’s comments “very wrong”. | “How long did it take to elect a Catholic?” Sanders asks. “1960. And people said he’d be working for the pope. How long did it take to elect an African-American?” He called Carson’s comments “very wrong”. |
| 1.01pm BST | |
| 13:01 | |
| Pope Francis will probably meet with some victims of clerical sex abuse while he is in the US, reports Rome correspondent Stephanie Kirchgaessner. But chances are that he probably won’t meet with one named John Wojnowski, a 72-year-old Polish immigrant and who has stood in protest against the church’s legacy of protecting pedophiles for more than 17 years. | Pope Francis will probably meet with some victims of clerical sex abuse while he is in the US, reports Rome correspondent Stephanie Kirchgaessner. But chances are that he probably won’t meet with one named John Wojnowski, a 72-year-old Polish immigrant and who has stood in protest against the church’s legacy of protecting pedophiles for more than 17 years. |
| For anyone who has lived in Washington or driven up Massachusetts Avenue, Wojnowsk is a familiar figure - he’s the anonymous but always present man who stands - everyday - outside the Apostolic Nunciature holding a sign that accuses the Vatican of hiding pedophiles. Another sign calls Catholics ‘cowards.’ Wojnowski is probably considered too controversial to meet with Francis. The protester will likely have been shuttled far away from the sidewalk he usually paces for the pope’s visit. | For anyone who has lived in Washington or driven up Massachusetts Avenue, Wojnowsk is a familiar figure - he’s the anonymous but always present man who stands - everyday - outside the Apostolic Nunciature holding a sign that accuses the Vatican of hiding pedophiles. Another sign calls Catholics ‘cowards.’ Wojnowski is probably considered too controversial to meet with Francis. The protester will likely have been shuttled far away from the sidewalk he usually paces for the pope’s visit. |
| But that, says reporter Matt Bai, who movingly tells Wojnowski’s story, is a ‘travesty,because it means that Francis will not see his embassy in the same way that many Washingtonians have glimpsed it through the years. He will not understand the lonely sacrifice of one broken, belittled man, or the depth of despair that exists in some quarters of the American church.’ | But that, says reporter Matt Bai, who movingly tells Wojnowski’s story, is a ‘travesty,because it means that Francis will not see his embassy in the same way that many Washingtonians have glimpsed it through the years. He will not understand the lonely sacrifice of one broken, belittled man, or the depth of despair that exists in some quarters of the American church.’ |
| One day in 1997, Wojnowski was reading a case about a victim of clerical sex abuse when he says he suddenly recalled long buried memories of the abuse he suffered when he was 15-years-old, allegedly at the hands of a priest in Milan. ‘The feeling was so terrible. So final. I ruined my life,’ he told Bai. Asked what he wanted, the protester said he had settled on a sum that he believed would do his justice for his suffering: $240,000. | One day in 1997, Wojnowski was reading a case about a victim of clerical sex abuse when he says he suddenly recalled long buried memories of the abuse he suffered when he was 15-years-old, allegedly at the hands of a priest in Milan. ‘The feeling was so terrible. So final. I ruined my life,’ he told Bai. Asked what he wanted, the protester said he had settled on a sum that he believed would do his justice for his suffering: $240,000. |
| He also wants the church to take out a full-page ad in the Washington Post apologizing to him. Bai writes: ‘You see, the way Wojnowski talks about it, he has no more control over whether he shows up on this sidewalk tomorrow than you or I do over paying taxes or sending our kids to school. The church has stolen 17 years of an old man’s life, he says, one monotonous day after another, by refusing to make him whole.” | He also wants the church to take out a full-page ad in the Washington Post apologizing to him. Bai writes: ‘You see, the way Wojnowski talks about it, he has no more control over whether he shows up on this sidewalk tomorrow than you or I do over paying taxes or sending our kids to school. The church has stolen 17 years of an old man’s life, he says, one monotonous day after another, by refusing to make him whole.” |
| You can read the whole story here. | You can read the whole story here. |
| 12.48pm BST | |
| 12:48 | |
| Security for the pope’s visit is “unprecedented,” CNN is reporting. As dawn broke, journalists and others who have been cleared to be in the White House for the meeting were queuing at several security checkpoints to get in. | Security for the pope’s visit is “unprecedented,” CNN is reporting. As dawn broke, journalists and others who have been cleared to be in the White House for the meeting were queuing at several security checkpoints to get in. |
| Past one checkpoint. About to go through security at the White House. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/u50Pfr0csN | Past one checkpoint. About to go through security at the White House. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/u50Pfr0csN |
| #PopeInDC Media waiting to get through the 2nd check point entry to the White House grounds. http://t.co/zwv6nMPGoA pic.twitter.com/ebRng4QAlZ | #PopeInDC Media waiting to get through the 2nd check point entry to the White House grounds. http://t.co/zwv6nMPGoA pic.twitter.com/ebRng4QAlZ |
| We're in! The @WhiteHouse lawn is where #PopeFrancis will be giving his first speech today. #PopeInDC #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/64VnsGQFae | We're in! The @WhiteHouse lawn is where #PopeFrancis will be giving his first speech today. #PopeInDC #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/64VnsGQFae |
| 12.34pm BST | |
| 12:34 | |
| One topic that might be controversial today is the canonisation of 18th century Franciscan missionary Junípero Serra, whom the pontiff is due to make a saint during this trip. | One topic that might be controversial today is the canonisation of 18th century Franciscan missionary Junípero Serra, whom the pontiff is due to make a saint during this trip. |
| Native American groups in California have been protesting his elevation to sainthood, saying that instead of being honored, Serra should be condemned for the brutal treatment of the Native American population that took place under his leadership. | Native American groups in California have been protesting his elevation to sainthood, saying that instead of being honored, Serra should be condemned for the brutal treatment of the Native American population that took place under his leadership. |
| Tens of thousands of Native Americans across Alta California, as the region was then known, were absorbed into Catholic missions – places said by one particularly rapturous myth-maker in the 19th century to be filled with “song, laughter, good food, beautiful languor, and mystical adoration of the Christ”, writes Andrew Gumbel. | Tens of thousands of Native Americans across Alta California, as the region was then known, were absorbed into Catholic missions – places said by one particularly rapturous myth-maker in the 19th century to be filled with “song, laughter, good food, beautiful languor, and mystical adoration of the Christ”, writes Andrew Gumbel. |
| What this rosy-eyed view omits is that these natives were brutalized – beaten, pressed into forced labour and infected with diseases to which they had no resistance – and the attempt to integrate them into the empire was a miserable failure. | What this rosy-eyed view omits is that these natives were brutalized – beaten, pressed into forced labour and infected with diseases to which they had no resistance – and the attempt to integrate them into the empire was a miserable failure. |
| “Indians brought into the missions were not allowed to leave, and if they tried they were shackled and severely beaten,” writes Gumbel. | “Indians brought into the missions were not allowed to leave, and if they tried they were shackled and severely beaten,” writes Gumbel. |
| They were used as forced labour to build out the Mission’s farming projects. They were fed atrociously, separated from close family members and packed into tight living quarters that often became miasmas of disease and death. | They were used as forced labour to build out the Mission’s farming projects. They were fed atrociously, separated from close family members and packed into tight living quarters that often became miasmas of disease and death. |
| When the Native Americans rebelled, which they did on at least two occasions, their rebellions were put down in brutal fashion. | When the Native Americans rebelled, which they did on at least two occasions, their rebellions were put down in brutal fashion. |
| When Native American women were caught trying to abort babies conceived through rape, the mission fathers had them beaten for days on end, clamped them in irons, had their heads shaved and forced them to stand at the church altar every Sunday carrying a painted wooden child in their arms. | When Native American women were caught trying to abort babies conceived through rape, the mission fathers had them beaten for days on end, clamped them in irons, had their heads shaved and forced them to stand at the church altar every Sunday carrying a painted wooden child in their arms. |
| Native Americans in California have protested against the move in the run-up to Pope Francis’s visit. But it is not yet known whether the pope will address the controversy on this trip. | Native Americans in California have protested against the move in the run-up to Pope Francis’s visit. But it is not yet known whether the pope will address the controversy on this trip. |
| Gumbel continues: | Gumbel continues: |
| The Vatican would like to believe that Serra and the missionaries were somehow separate from the Spanish colonial enterprise, and that the army’s abuses should not in any way be laid at Serra’s door. Pope Francis said in May that Serra was one of a generation of missionaries ‘who … defended the indigenous peoples against abuses by the colonisers.’ | The Vatican would like to believe that Serra and the missionaries were somehow separate from the Spanish colonial enterprise, and that the army’s abuses should not in any way be laid at Serra’s door. Pope Francis said in May that Serra was one of a generation of missionaries ‘who … defended the indigenous peoples against abuses by the colonisers.’ |
| Most historians, however, dismiss that interpretation as fanciful. | Most historians, however, dismiss that interpretation as fanciful. |
| You can read all about the controversy here. | You can read all about the controversy here. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.40pm BST | |
| 12.18pm BST | |
| 12:18 | |
| Meanwhile, at the White House, the secret service have begun screening and checking the journalists and dignitaries who are lucky enough to have clearance for Pope Francis’ visit. | Meanwhile, at the White House, the secret service have begun screening and checking the journalists and dignitaries who are lucky enough to have clearance for Pope Francis’ visit. |
| First secret service checks as we get ready to go to The White House with #PopeFrancis #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/ZAIWnS7AQ3 | First secret service checks as we get ready to go to The White House with #PopeFrancis #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/ZAIWnS7AQ3 |
| Among them is Dan Roberts, the Guardian’s DC bureau chief, who will be contributing to our coverage today. His twitter is here. | Among them is Dan Roberts, the Guardian’s DC bureau chief, who will be contributing to our coverage today. His twitter is here. |
| 12.15pm BST | |
| 12:15 | |
| It is just before 7:15 and the sun is just rising in Washington, DC. It’s set to be a beautiful day - high of 77 degrees farenheit; bright, clear and sunny. | It is just before 7:15 and the sun is just rising in Washington, DC. It’s set to be a beautiful day - high of 77 degrees farenheit; bright, clear and sunny. |
| Sun rises on #PopeInDC parade route. T-minus 4 hours till the Pope rolls! #DC pic.twitter.com/pKnWjPUE36 | Sun rises on #PopeInDC parade route. T-minus 4 hours till the Pope rolls! #DC pic.twitter.com/pKnWjPUE36 |
| 12.00pm BST | |
| 12:00 | |
| Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of day two of Pope Francis’ visit to the United States of America. | Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of day two of Pope Francis’ visit to the United States of America. |
| Yesterday the pontiff left Cuba for Andrews Joint Air Base in Maryland, where he was met by Barack Obama, vice-president Joe Biden, and their families, and an adulatory crowd. | Yesterday the pontiff left Cuba for Andrews Joint Air Base in Maryland, where he was met by Barack Obama, vice-president Joe Biden, and their families, and an adulatory crowd. |
| Pope Francis arrival and departure from Joint Base Andrews pic.twitter.com/2ZAjdOhaIJ | Pope Francis arrival and departure from Joint Base Andrews pic.twitter.com/2ZAjdOhaIJ |
| Today the pontiff is scheduled meet again with Obama at the White House before a procession along National Mall to St. Matthew’s Cathedral, where he will lead midday prayers. | Today the pontiff is scheduled meet again with Obama at the White House before a procession along National Mall to St. Matthew’s Cathedral, where he will lead midday prayers. |
| Stay with us for live updates on what is set to be a very exciting day. | Stay with us for live updates on what is set to be a very exciting day. |
| Here’s today’s full schedule: | Here’s today’s full schedule: |
| 9.15am ET (1.15pm GMT): A welcome ceremony and meeting with Barack Obama takes place at the White House on the South Lawn. | 9.15am ET (1.15pm GMT): A welcome ceremony and meeting with Barack Obama takes place at the White House on the South Lawn. |
| 11am ET (3.15pm GMT): The pope drives between the Ellipse and a portion of the National Mall in the Popemobile. The parade is open to the public and no tickets are required but those attending have to pass through security. Security gates open at 4am and stay open until 10am. | 11am ET (3.15pm GMT): The pope drives between the Ellipse and a portion of the National Mall in the Popemobile. The parade is open to the public and no tickets are required but those attending have to pass through security. Security gates open at 4am and stay open until 10am. |
| 11.30am ET (4.30pm GMT): Pope Francis leads a prayer at St Matthew’s Cathedral with US bishops. | 11.30am ET (4.30pm GMT): Pope Francis leads a prayer at St Matthew’s Cathedral with US bishops. |
| 4.15pm ET (9.15pm GMT): The pontiff holds mass in Spanish at Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to canonize Junípero Serra as the first Hispanic saint. | 4.15pm ET (9.15pm GMT): The pontiff holds mass in Spanish at Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to canonize Junípero Serra as the first Hispanic saint. |
| You can read his full schedule for the week here. | You can read his full schedule for the week here. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.06pm BST |