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Pope praises 'immense contribution of women' to the church – live Pope praises 'immense contribution of women' to the church – live
(35 minutes later)
5.07pm BST17:07
Archbishop of Philadelphia Charles J Chaput puts Philadelphia’s sentiments about the Pope’s visit aptly:
This is a city that would change its name to Francisville today... We would do that if we could do it without inconveniencing the rest of North America.”
Chaput ended by welcoming the Pope to the city of Philadelphia before ending mass.
Thank you for living in the sprit of jesus christ with such joy.”
4.43pm BST16:434.43pm BST16:43
Pedestrians have been enjoying the car-less Benjamin Franklin bridge Saturday morning, and mild fall weather.Pedestrians have been enjoying the car-less Benjamin Franklin bridge Saturday morning, and mild fall weather.
Pedestrian traffic is light on Ben Franklin Bridge. #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/ORgdtSmn7yPedestrian traffic is light on Ben Franklin Bridge. #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/ORgdtSmn7y
And as Pope Francis prepared the eucharist, a rainbow appeared over Benjamin Franklin Parkway where the Pope will later attend the Festival of Families.And as Pope Francis prepared the eucharist, a rainbow appeared over Benjamin Franklin Parkway where the Pope will later attend the Festival of Families.
I kid you not there was just a rainbow crossing over the parkway. #PopeInPhilly #Philly #Philadelphia #WMOF2015 pic.twitter.com/NapLCzL9xkI kid you not there was just a rainbow crossing over the parkway. #PopeInPhilly #Philly #Philadelphia #WMOF2015 pic.twitter.com/NapLCzL9xk
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As Pope Francis prepares the consecration of mass, those outside the church watch mass on the roughly 30 screens that have been set up around Philadelphia.As Pope Francis prepares the consecration of mass, those outside the church watch mass on the roughly 30 screens that have been set up around Philadelphia.
RT @CarleyMossbrook: Watching the #PopeInPhilly at Franklin Square pic.twitter.com/XZ5dxqvX6xRT @CarleyMossbrook: Watching the #PopeInPhilly at Franklin Square pic.twitter.com/XZ5dxqvX6x
Updated at 4.41pm BSTUpdated at 4.41pm BST
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Pope Francis ends his prepared remarks by asking parishioners to pray for him, and for the growth of the Catholic church.Pope Francis ends his prepared remarks by asking parishioners to pray for him, and for the growth of the Catholic church.
Now, with gratitude for all we have received, and with confident assurance in all our needs, let us turn to Mary, our Blessed Mother. With a mother’s love, may she intercede for the growth of the Church in America in prophetic witness to the power of her Son’s Cross to bring joy, hope and strength into our world. I pray for each of you, and I ask you, please, to pray for me.Now, with gratitude for all we have received, and with confident assurance in all our needs, let us turn to Mary, our Blessed Mother. With a mother’s love, may she intercede for the growth of the Church in America in prophetic witness to the power of her Son’s Cross to bring joy, hope and strength into our world. I pray for each of you, and I ask you, please, to pray for me.
Updated at 4.42pm BSTUpdated at 4.42pm BST
4.13pm BST16:134.13pm BST16:13
Francis praises 'immense contribution of women' to Catholic churchFrancis praises 'immense contribution of women' to Catholic church
In what are likely to be the among the most widely analyzed comments of the day, Pope Francis tells the crowd at the cathedral that women and lay people have an “immense contribution” to make to the church.In what are likely to be the among the most widely analyzed comments of the day, Pope Francis tells the crowd at the cathedral that women and lay people have an “immense contribution” to make to the church.
Our challenge today is to build on those solid foundations and to foster a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility in planning for the future of our parishes and institutions. This does not mean relinquishing the spiritual authority with which we have been entrusted; rather, it means discerning and employing wisely the manifold gifts which the Spirit pours out upon the Church. In a particular way, it means valuing the immense contribution which women, lay and religious, have made and continue to make, to the life of our communities.Our challenge today is to build on those solid foundations and to foster a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility in planning for the future of our parishes and institutions. This does not mean relinquishing the spiritual authority with which we have been entrusted; rather, it means discerning and employing wisely the manifold gifts which the Spirit pours out upon the Church. In a particular way, it means valuing the immense contribution which women, lay and religious, have made and continue to make, to the life of our communities.
Updated at 4.20pm BSTUpdated at 4.20pm BST
4.08pm BST16:084.08pm BST16:08
Pope Francis has barely deviated from his prepared text – adding only an “I ask you” to the following paragraph which continues his words about Drexel.Pope Francis has barely deviated from his prepared text – adding only an “I ask you” to the following paragraph which continues his words about Drexel.
He sounds emotive and comfortable speaking Spanish now, in contrast to English, which some have noted he has struggled with. The Pope likes to speak off the cuff, and some believe he has felt constrained linguistically when speaking in English.He sounds emotive and comfortable speaking Spanish now, in contrast to English, which some have noted he has struggled with. The Pope likes to speak off the cuff, and some believe he has felt constrained linguistically when speaking in English.
First, those words – “What about you?” – were addressed to a young person, a young woman with high ideals, and they changed her life. They made her think of the immense work that had to be done, and to realize that she was being called to do her part. How many young people in our parishes and schools have the same high ideals, generosity of spirit, and love for Christ and the Church! I ask you, do we challenge them? Do we make space for them and help them to do their part? To find ways of sharing their enthusiasm and gifts with our communities, above all in works of mercy and concern for others? Do we share our own joy and enthusiasm in serving the Lord?First, those words – “What about you?” – were addressed to a young person, a young woman with high ideals, and they changed her life. They made her think of the immense work that had to be done, and to realize that she was being called to do her part. How many young people in our parishes and schools have the same high ideals, generosity of spirit, and love for Christ and the Church! I ask you, do we challenge them? Do we make space for them and help them to do their part? To find ways of sharing their enthusiasm and gifts with our communities, above all in works of mercy and concern for others? Do we share our own joy and enthusiasm in serving the Lord?
Updated at 4.17pm BSTUpdated at 4.17pm BST
4.02pm BST16:024.02pm BST16:02
Pope Francis is now speaking about Saint Katharine Drexel, a Philadelphian who spent her life serving the poor.Pope Francis is now speaking about Saint Katharine Drexel, a Philadelphian who spent her life serving the poor.
Most of you know the story of Saint Katharine Drexel, one of the great saints raised up by this local Church. When she spoke to Pope Leo XIII of the needs of the missions, the Pope – he was a very wise Pope! – asked her pointedly: “What about you? What are you going to do?” Those words changed Katharine’s life, because they reminded her that, in the end, every Christian man and woman, by virtue of baptism, has received a mission. Each one of us has to respond, as best we can, to the Lord’s call to build up his Body, the Church.Most of you know the story of Saint Katharine Drexel, one of the great saints raised up by this local Church. When she spoke to Pope Leo XIII of the needs of the missions, the Pope – he was a very wise Pope! – asked her pointedly: “What about you? What are you going to do?” Those words changed Katharine’s life, because they reminded her that, in the end, every Christian man and woman, by virtue of baptism, has received a mission. Each one of us has to respond, as best we can, to the Lord’s call to build up his Body, the Church.
Updated at 4.19pm BSTUpdated at 4.19pm BST
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Pope Francis has begin his speech to the Cathedral Basilica in Spanish. We’ll provide translations here.Pope Francis has begin his speech to the Cathedral Basilica in Spanish. We’ll provide translations here.
This morning I learned something about the history of this beautiful Cathedral: the story behind its high walls and windows. I would like to think, though, that the history of the Church in this city and state is really a story not about building walls, but about breaking them down. It is a story about generation after generation of committed Catholics going out to the peripheries, and building communities of worship, education, charity and service to the larger society.This morning I learned something about the history of this beautiful Cathedral: the story behind its high walls and windows. I would like to think, though, that the history of the Church in this city and state is really a story not about building walls, but about breaking them down. It is a story about generation after generation of committed Catholics going out to the peripheries, and building communities of worship, education, charity and service to the larger society.
Updated at 4.42pm BSTUpdated at 4.42pm BST
3.52pm BST15:523.52pm BST15:52
While we wait for Pope Francis to address the crowd inside the Cathedral Basilica, it’s worth noting we expect today’s mass to be delivered in both Spanish and English.While we wait for Pope Francis to address the crowd inside the Cathedral Basilica, it’s worth noting we expect today’s mass to be delivered in both Spanish and English.
We’ve already heard a short reading from the Book of Genesis in Spanish.We’ve already heard a short reading from the Book of Genesis in Spanish.
3.35pm BST15:353.35pm BST15:35
The procession beginning mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul has just begun, as the faithful sing.The procession beginning mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul has just begun, as the faithful sing.
We expect Pope Francis’s speech today to focus on the cathedral and the church’s place in a changing society.We expect Pope Francis’s speech today to focus on the cathedral and the church’s place in a changing society.
Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul in Philadelphia -Stream LIVE http://t.co/fVscudmGuH #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/MZkSDrkftVMass at the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul in Philadelphia -Stream LIVE http://t.co/fVscudmGuH #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/MZkSDrkftV
3.30pm BST15:303.30pm BST15:30
From our reporter Alan Yuhas inside the Cathedral Basilica as Pope Francis prepares to give mass:From our reporter Alan Yuhas inside the Cathedral Basilica as Pope Francis prepares to give mass:
Families spanning generations, parish outings, immigrants and native pilgrims alike thronged as pope Francis arrived, and a children’s choir welcomed him up the steps as a fitting prelude to his homily about young people.Families spanning generations, parish outings, immigrants and native pilgrims alike thronged as pope Francis arrived, and a children’s choir welcomed him up the steps as a fitting prelude to his homily about young people.
From inside the cathedral, a muffled roar of screaming and cheers could be heard when his motorcade approached. As he stepped inside, the audience of priests, politicians, handicapped people and locals burst into applause.From inside the cathedral, a muffled roar of screaming and cheers could be heard when his motorcade approached. As he stepped inside, the audience of priests, politicians, handicapped people and locals burst into applause.
Updated at 4.43pm BSTUpdated at 4.43pm BST
3.29pm BST15:293.29pm BST15:29
Here’s a look inside the Cathedral Basilica, where even clergy brought out smart phones to grab a quick photo of Pope Francis.Here’s a look inside the Cathedral Basilica, where even clergy brought out smart phones to grab a quick photo of Pope Francis.
Smartphones out as pope enters Basilica http://t.co/2QEjwyNKGo #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/ER9FBJxHBtSmartphones out as pope enters Basilica http://t.co/2QEjwyNKGo #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/ER9FBJxHBt
Basilica worshippers on their feet, cheer as @Pontifex enters the sanctuary. #PopeInPhilly @NewsWorksWHYY pic.twitter.com/HiUW8RYp8CBasilica worshippers on their feet, cheer as @Pontifex enters the sanctuary. #PopeInPhilly @NewsWorksWHYY pic.twitter.com/HiUW8RYp8C
3.24pm BST15:243.24pm BST15:24
As Pope Francis enters the Cathedral Basilica, Alan Yuhas gives us a sense of the security in Philadelphia and the scene outside the cathedral, as the city and faithful readied for the Pope’s visit.As Pope Francis enters the Cathedral Basilica, Alan Yuhas gives us a sense of the security in Philadelphia and the scene outside the cathedral, as the city and faithful readied for the Pope’s visit.
On the streets of downtown Philadelphia, police lined barricades, national guardsmen in fatigues watched corners, and suited agents from the secret service and FBI stood by checkpoints at any major intersections.On the streets of downtown Philadelphia, police lined barricades, national guardsmen in fatigues watched corners, and suited agents from the secret service and FBI stood by checkpoints at any major intersections.
Undeterred, several hundred cheery visitors had massed at the barriers by 6am, some wearing brightly colored shirts labeled by their parish, others lining up to buy Vatican flags from hawkers, and a few giving change to the homeless people who wandered near the edges.Undeterred, several hundred cheery visitors had massed at the barriers by 6am, some wearing brightly colored shirts labeled by their parish, others lining up to buy Vatican flags from hawkers, and a few giving change to the homeless people who wandered near the edges.
Father Jim Berning, a priest at St John the Evangelist in central Philadelphia, paused to give one man a sandwich before turning to answer questions. He said that the pope’s appeal was in part because he had a message of mercy.Father Jim Berning, a priest at St John the Evangelist in central Philadelphia, paused to give one man a sandwich before turning to answer questions. He said that the pope’s appeal was in part because he had a message of mercy.
“He’s a welcoming presence for everyone,” Berning said. “He’s able to discern life, to be able to welcome people and show people how to live that message of compassion, for the poor, the handicapped.”“He’s a welcoming presence for everyone,” Berning said. “He’s able to discern life, to be able to welcome people and show people how to live that message of compassion, for the poor, the handicapped.”
Outside the cordons near the city’s largest cathedral, the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, crowds mustered around 6am to greet the pope before a morning mass. Sovilda Rondon, with her family from the Dominican Republic, said she had been outside the church since 4am.Outside the cordons near the city’s largest cathedral, the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, crowds mustered around 6am to greet the pope before a morning mass. Sovilda Rondon, with her family from the Dominican Republic, said she had been outside the church since 4am.
Rondon, who lives in Philadelphia, said she hopes the pope will help convince leaders to clean up the city: “He brings such joy, such happiness, such hope.”Rondon, who lives in Philadelphia, said she hopes the pope will help convince leaders to clean up the city: “He brings such joy, such happiness, such hope.”
“Of course it’s worth waiting for all night.”“Of course it’s worth waiting for all night.”
Maria del Carmen Serrano, from Peoria, Illinois, could barely contain her excitement despite the early morning hour.Maria del Carmen Serrano, from Peoria, Illinois, could barely contain her excitement despite the early morning hour.
“Everything, everything about him is great,” she said. “His humility, his love. He recognizes the dignity of everyone. I just want to see and feel what it’s like to be near to him.”“Everything, everything about him is great,” she said. “His humility, his love. He recognizes the dignity of everyone. I just want to see and feel what it’s like to be near to him.”
Updated at 4.44pm BSTUpdated at 4.44pm BST
3.19pm BST15:193.19pm BST15:19
Pope Francis has just arrived at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and his address is scheduled to begin in less than 15 minutes. We’re watching two CatholicTV Network and ABC News.Pope Francis has just arrived at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and his address is scheduled to begin in less than 15 minutes. We’re watching two CatholicTV Network and ABC News.
The shouts coming from the crowd outside, are incredible, as our reported Alan Yuhas reports. The shouts coming from the crowd outside are incredible as the Guardian’s Alan Yuhas reports.
There is audible screaming and a muffled roar from inside the cathedral as the pope's motorcade arrives #PopeInPhilly #popeadelphiaThere is audible screaming and a muffled roar from inside the cathedral as the pope's motorcade arrives #PopeInPhilly #popeadelphia
Updated at 4.45pm BST
3.09pm BST15:093.09pm BST15:09
Before leaving the airport, Pope Francis stopped the driver of his Fiat to kiss a boy in a wheelchair (not a bed, as we said previously).Before leaving the airport, Pope Francis stopped the driver of his Fiat to kiss a boy in a wheelchair (not a bed, as we said previously).
.@Pontifex stops car on Philly tarmac, gets out, to go greet person in wheelchair. Incredible. #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/JcPv32IZOg.@Pontifex stops car on Philly tarmac, gets out, to go greet person in wheelchair. Incredible. #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/JcPv32IZOg
3.01pm BST15:013.01pm BST15:01
As Pope Francis drives through the city, here is a little more information about where he’ll be going during his two-day trip.As Pope Francis drives through the city, here is a little more information about where he’ll be going during his two-day trip.
Updated at 3.02pm BSTUpdated at 3.02pm BST
2.59pm BST14:592.59pm BST14:59
The pontiff is greeted by local politicians and business leaders, as he walks out on a red carpet at Atlantic Aviation (part of Philadelphia international airport) to the theme song from Rocky.The pontiff is greeted by local politicians and business leaders, as he walks out on a red carpet at Atlantic Aviation (part of Philadelphia international airport) to the theme song from Rocky.
He just appeared to touch several people, including one young man in a hospital bed as an onlooker wept, before riding away in the papal black Fiat 500.He just appeared to touch several people, including one young man in a hospital bed as an onlooker wept, before riding away in the papal black Fiat 500.
Pope Francis is all smiles as he greets local celebs and gets ready to climb in the Pope Fiat #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/FDdnXmAAl5Pope Francis is all smiles as he greets local celebs and gets ready to climb in the Pope Fiat #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/FDdnXmAAl5
Updated at 3.31pm BSTUpdated at 3.31pm BST
2.53pm BST14:532.53pm BST14:53
The Pope’s plane is wheels down in Philadelphia! He is expected to be greeted by the theme to Rocky played by the Bishop of Shanahan high school band, from Downingtown, Pennsylvania.The Pope’s plane is wheels down in Philadelphia! He is expected to be greeted by the theme to Rocky played by the Bishop of Shanahan high school band, from Downingtown, Pennsylvania.
Pope Francis is PHINALLY IN PHILLY @Fox29philly pic.twitter.com/Or1rJym3agPope Francis is PHINALLY IN PHILLY @Fox29philly pic.twitter.com/Or1rJym3ag
And as Pope Francis debarks the plane, priests at Saints Peter and Paul basilica in Philadelphia are already addressing the faithful.And as Pope Francis debarks the plane, priests at Saints Peter and Paul basilica in Philadelphia are already addressing the faithful.
Father Gill addressing the faithful in the Cathedral for #PopeinPhilly pic.twitter.com/58Lw1kMuyTFather Gill addressing the faithful in the Cathedral for #PopeinPhilly pic.twitter.com/58Lw1kMuyT
2.45pm BST14:452.45pm BST14:45
As Pope Francis’s flight nears Philadelphia international airport, now is a good time to remind people to send your photos and videos of the Pope’s visit. Your photos and videos could be featured on the Guardian.As Pope Francis’s flight nears Philadelphia international airport, now is a good time to remind people to send your photos and videos of the Pope’s visit. Your photos and videos could be featured on the Guardian.
You can contribute here, through Guardian Witness.You can contribute here, through Guardian Witness.
Updated at 3.32pm BSTUpdated at 3.32pm BST
2.34pm BST14:342.34pm BST14:34
Already waiting in Center City in Philadelphia are crowd of people behind barricades, many of whom arrived there very early this morning (2:15am!).Already waiting in Center City in Philadelphia are crowd of people behind barricades, many of whom arrived there very early this morning (2:15am!).
At the airport, if you’re watching live, some of you may see images of a family of five – that’s the family of Richard and Bernadette Bowes and their three children. Richard Bowes is a retired Philadelphia police officer who was shot in the line of duty and was forced to retire when it became clear he could no longer run.At the airport, if you’re watching live, some of you may see images of a family of five – that’s the family of Richard and Bernadette Bowes and their three children. Richard Bowes is a retired Philadelphia police officer who was shot in the line of duty and was forced to retire when it became clear he could no longer run.
It’s unfathomable. We didn’t know what was going on. I’m just completely overwhelmed right now,” Bernadette Bowes told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “We feel very blessed, very grateful. We don’t feel like we’re worthy enough for something of this caliber.”It’s unfathomable. We didn’t know what was going on. I’m just completely overwhelmed right now,” Bernadette Bowes told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “We feel very blessed, very grateful. We don’t feel like we’re worthy enough for something of this caliber.”
Updated at 3.32pm BSTUpdated at 3.32pm BST
2.18pm BST14:182.18pm BST14:18
The Pope has left New York – but in case you were wondering what effect the pontiff’s departure has on air traffic, have a look at the line of planes here.The Pope has left New York – but in case you were wondering what effect the pontiff’s departure has on air traffic, have a look at the line of planes here.
All planes at JFK waiting for @Pontifex to take off. #PopeInUS pic.twitter.com/A0D9hjsgZIAll planes at JFK waiting for @Pontifex to take off. #PopeInUS pic.twitter.com/A0D9hjsgZI
2.11pm BST14:112.11pm BST14:11
Pope Francis’s plane is scheduled to depart for Philadelphia in the next few minutes – he has reportedly boarded and the plane is rolling down the runway now.Pope Francis’s plane is scheduled to depart for Philadelphia in the next few minutes – he has reportedly boarded and the plane is rolling down the runway now.
Pope Francis boarding plane for #Philadelphia #popeinphilly #Fox29Pope pic.twitter.com/8h03DbW3STPope Francis boarding plane for #Philadelphia #popeinphilly #Fox29Pope pic.twitter.com/8h03DbW3ST
Journalists, the faithful and what appears to be a high school band are already in position at Philadelphia international airport. We’ll try to find out more information about who is waiting for Francis’s arrival there.Journalists, the faithful and what appears to be a high school band are already in position at Philadelphia international airport. We’ll try to find out more information about who is waiting for Francis’s arrival there.
For now, you can track Pope Francis’s flight with us, at FlightAware. He’ll be flying in the same American Airlines chartered Boeing 777 jet as he took to New York’s John F Kennedy airport.For now, you can track Pope Francis’s flight with us, at FlightAware. He’ll be flying in the same American Airlines chartered Boeing 777 jet as he took to New York’s John F Kennedy airport.
Francis typically sits at the front of what is often called Shepherd One, with his entourage just behind him and journalists in coach.Francis typically sits at the front of what is often called Shepherd One, with his entourage just behind him and journalists in coach.
Updated at 3.33pm BSTUpdated at 3.33pm BST
1.40pm BST13:401.40pm BST13:40
Good morning, and welcome to Day Eight of Guardian US live coverage of Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia.Good morning, and welcome to Day Eight of Guardian US live coverage of Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia.
In the next few moments, the pope will depart from John F Kennedy airport in Queens, New York. The next stop on his three-city tour of the US is just a short hop by plane – he is expected to land within an hour, then be whisked off to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in the heart of the city.In the next few moments, the pope will depart from John F Kennedy airport in Queens, New York. The next stop on his three-city tour of the US is just a short hop by plane – he is expected to land within an hour, then be whisked off to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in the heart of the city.
At around 7.30am ET, the Associated Press reported that two US marine helicopters had taken off from New York’s John F Kennedy airport to pick up Pope Francis in Manhattan. Worshippers and church officials had gathered for a brief farewell on the JFK tarmac, the AP said, including seven cloistered nuns from the Precious Blood Seminary in Brooklyn. Four of them were originally from the pope’s native Argentina.At around 7.30am ET, the Associated Press reported that two US marine helicopters had taken off from New York’s John F Kennedy airport to pick up Pope Francis in Manhattan. Worshippers and church officials had gathered for a brief farewell on the JFK tarmac, the AP said, including seven cloistered nuns from the Precious Blood Seminary in Brooklyn. Four of them were originally from the pope’s native Argentina.
We’ll be covering the pope’s moves all day, as he travels from the basilica to Independence Mall and then a Festival of Families prayer event on Benjamin Franklin Parkway.We’ll be covering the pope’s moves all day, as he travels from the basilica to Independence Mall and then a Festival of Families prayer event on Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Updated at 3.34pm BSTUpdated at 3.34pm BST