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Pope Francis meets with victims of clerical sex abuse in Philadelphia – live Pope Francis speaks to inmates at Philadelphia correctional facility - live
(36 minutes later)
4.06pm BST16:06
Pope Francis is spending a significant amount of time shaking each inmates’ hand.
Pope Francis shakes hands with every single inmate at the event #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/XUk8q4slR0
He is also honoring inmates’ requests to bless their religious items such as rosaries before he left the room.
3.57pm BST15:57
Here is a better look the gifts prisoners gave the pope during his visit.
Life is sacred:innocent life and guilty life. The gifts offered to @pontifex by inmates: a chair & fruits/vegetables. pic.twitter.com/YhTfw6uCWx
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The pope then goes off-script for a short blessing, before shaking hands with each of the first row of prisons.
We ask the lord to bless us, may God bless you and protect you, and make his face shine upon you, and may he grant you peace.”
He will go on to meet in the gym with 100 male and female inmates, a meeting which will be broadcast throughout the prison, Vatican live stream announcers said.
The inmates who were chosen to sit in on the Pope’s speech regularly attend Catholic worship services, have good behavioral records and are in “self-improvement programs,” the Philadelphia prison commission told the Wall Street Journal.
The group includes women, too. #PopeInPhilly greets prisoners #PopeinUS pic.twitter.com/X2jxeLHLGf
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Francis then goes on to speak about prison systems at large, and the importance of rehabilitation programs.
It is painful when we see prison systems which are not concerned to care for wounds, to soothe pain, to offer new possibilities. It is painful when we see people who think that only others need to be cleansed, purified, and do not recognize that their weariness, pain and wounds are also the weariness, pain and wounds of society.”
.@Pontifex speaks about hope, forgiveness and redemption at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. #CBSPhillyPope pic.twitter.com/QiRObVtom2
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As Pope Francis speaks to prisoners, he uses washing feet as a metaphor for healing and the difficulties of life:
We know in faith that Jesus seeks us out. He wants to heal our wounds to sooth our feet, which hurt from traveling alone… Confinement is not the same thing as exclusion.”
Prisoners listening to #PopeInPhilly who tells them EVERYONE, including #PopeFrancis, need to be cleansed. pic.twitter.com/QnT8ZrQurX
3.41pm BST15:41
Pope Francis begins speech at Curran-Fromhold prison
The Holy Father began his speech by telling inmates he shares their pain.
I know it is a painful time, not only for you, but also for your families and for all of society. Any society, any family, which cannot share or take seriously the pain of its children, and views that pain as something normal or to be expected, is a society ‘condemned’ to remain a hostage to itself, prey to the very things which cause that pain. I am here as a pastor, but above all as a brother, to share your situation and to make it my own.
Updated at 3.43pm BST
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Pope Francis begins his speech by saying he will only speak in Spanish.
I will speak in Spanish, because I don’t know English,” he said.
RT @TrishaThomasAP: #PopeFrancis waves to female inmates pic.twitter.com/O593qift7p
Updated at 3.43pm BST
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Here is a little more of the scene within Curran-Fromhold correctional facility.
Here's the scene at CFCF as we await #PopeInPhilly prison visit. pic.twitter.com/rOlaAYfhsp
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Pope Francis is about to speak at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.Pope Francis is about to speak at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.
He is sitting in a chair made by inmates at the prison. Local politicians, including Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter and district attorney R Seth Williams are present. He is sitting in a chair made by inmates at the prison. Local politicians, including Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter and district attorney R Seth Williams, are present.
Philadelphia archbishop Charles Chaput is the first to speak.Philadelphia archbishop Charles Chaput is the first to speak.
#popeinphilly Prisoners await Pope Francis at Curran-Frumhold Correctional Institution. Built his chair. pic.twitter.com/lKvlGfovz9#popeinphilly Prisoners await Pope Francis at Curran-Frumhold Correctional Institution. Built his chair. pic.twitter.com/lKvlGfovz9
Updated at 3.44pm BST
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Pope Francis’s speech at the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary also focused heavily on the family and the importance of priests encouraging people to marry.Pope Francis’s speech at the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary also focused heavily on the family and the importance of priests encouraging people to marry.
The pope got more than one chuckle out of the crowd when encouraging priests to tell young people to marry:The pope got more than one chuckle out of the crowd when encouraging priests to tell young people to marry:
In Buenos Aires, how many women tell me, ‘My son is 30, 34 years old and he’s not getting married. I don’t know what to do!’ In Buenos Aires, how many women tell me: ‘My son is 30, 34 years old and he’s not getting married. I don’t know what to do!’
And I say, ‘Don’t iron his shirts anymore.’” And I say: ‘Don’t iron his shirts anymore.’
Our beloved brother @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/sMy9Kk2KgsOur beloved brother @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/sMy9Kk2Kgs
Updated at 3.45pm BST
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In preparation for his next speech, Pope Francis just landed at Curran-Fromhold correctional facility. That speech begins in about 45 minutes.In preparation for his next speech, Pope Francis just landed at Curran-Fromhold correctional facility. That speech begins in about 45 minutes.
Pope Francis has landed at Curran Fromhold Correc. Facility. #fox29pope, #popeinphilly. pic.twitter.com/I14qruqzu5Pope Francis has landed at Curran Fromhold Correc. Facility. #fox29pope, #popeinphilly. pic.twitter.com/I14qruqzu5
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Vatican confirms that Pope Francis met with victimsVatican confirms that Pope Francis met with victims
We’ve just received a statement from the Vatican’s spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi about Pope Francis’s meeting with victims of sexual abuse. We’ve just received a statement from Vatican spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi about Pope Francis’s meeting with victims of sexual abuse.
The pope met with victims of sexual abuse between 8am and 9am, for about 30 minutes, just before his speech at the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.The pope met with victims of sexual abuse between 8am and 9am, for about 30 minutes, just before his speech at the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.
He listened to the individual stories and spoke as a group to three women and two men, each abused as children by clergy, teachers or a family member. Each was accompanied by a “family member or support person.” The archbishop of Philadelphia Charles Chaput and the archbishop of Boston Patrick O’Malley, chair of Pope Francis’s commission to protect minors, was also present. He listened to the individual stories and spoke as a group to three women and two men, each abused as children by clergy, teachers or a family member. Each was accompanied by a “family member or support person”. The archbishop of Philadelphia, Charles Chaput, and the archbishop of Boston, Patrick O’Malley, chair of Pope Francis’s commission to protect minors, was also present.
He then prayed with them and expressed his solidarity in sharing their suffering, as well as his own pain and shame in especially in the case of injury caused them by clergy or church workers.” He then prayed with them and expressed his solidarity in sharing their suffering, as well as his own pain and shame in especially in the case of injury caused them by clergy or church workers.
The statement goes on to reiterate: “The guilty be punished and crimes of abuse be combated with an effective prevention program in the church and in society.”The statement goes on to reiterate: “The guilty be punished and crimes of abuse be combated with an effective prevention program in the church and in society.”
The Pope thanked the victims for their essential contribution to restore the truth and begin the journey of healing.” The Pope thanked the victims for their essential contribution to restore the truth and begin the journey of healing.
The pope then blessed the victims. The statement confirms the meeting last about 30 minutes.The pope then blessed the victims. The statement confirms the meeting last about 30 minutes.
Updated at 3.32pm BST Updated at 3.47pm BST
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Francis deviated – significantly – before he even began prepared remarks, speaking strongly about child sexual abuse in the church.Francis deviated – significantly – before he even began prepared remarks, speaking strongly about child sexual abuse in the church.
For the sexual abuse of children – these cannot be maintained in secret, and I commit to a careful oversight to ensure that youth are protected, and all responsible will be held accountable.” For the sexual abuse of children – these cannot be maintained in secret, and I commit to a careful oversight to ensure that youth are protected, and all responsible will be held accountable.
The Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter reports that Pope Francis met with victims for about 30 minutes before his speech to bishops this morning, and prayed with victims.The Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter reports that Pope Francis met with victims for about 30 minutes before his speech to bishops this morning, and prayed with victims.
That would line up with Father Thomas Rosica’s statement that Francis met with victims this morning.That would line up with Father Thomas Rosica’s statement that Francis met with victims this morning.
#Vatican: @Pontifex listened to abuse survivors and prayed with them. "He manifested his participation in their suffering." #PopeInPhilly#Vatican: @Pontifex listened to abuse survivors and prayed with them. "He manifested his participation in their suffering." #PopeInPhilly
#Vatican: Meeting b/t @Pontifex and abuse survivors laster about a half hour. He ended it by giving them a blessing. #PopeInPhilly#Vatican: Meeting b/t @Pontifex and abuse survivors laster about a half hour. He ended it by giving them a blessing. #PopeInPhilly
#Vatican: W/ abuse survivors, @Pontifex "renewed his and the church's commitment that survivors be treated w/ justice." #PopeInPhilly#Vatican: W/ abuse survivors, @Pontifex "renewed his and the church's commitment that survivors be treated w/ justice." #PopeInPhilly
Updated at 3.47pm BST
2.50pm BST14:502.50pm BST14:50
As Pope Francis leaves the seminary chapel now, let’s first look at the pope’s prepared remarks and where he deviated.As Pope Francis leaves the seminary chapel now, let’s first look at the pope’s prepared remarks and where he deviated.
He was expected to speak about same-sex marriage and consumerism. He compared the differences between “Christian marriage” and legal marriage with local markets and so-called big box stores, and went on to criticize “trends” and consumer culture.He was expected to speak about same-sex marriage and consumerism. He compared the differences between “Christian marriage” and legal marriage with local markets and so-called big box stores, and went on to criticize “trends” and consumer culture.
Until recently, we lived in a social context where the similarities between the civil institution of marriage and the Christian sacrament were considerable and shared. The two were interrelated and mutually supportive. This is no longer the case. To describe our situation today, I would use two familiar images: our neighborhood stores and our large supermarkets.” Until recently, we lived in a social context where the similarities between the civil institution of marriage and the Christian sacrament were considerable and shared. The two were interrelated and mutually supportive. This is no longer the case. To describe our situation today, I would use two familiar images: our neighborhood stores and our large supermarkets.
Francis called local markets humble, but personal. Francis called local markets humble but personal.
The products may not have been cleverly displayed, or offered much choice, but there was a personal bond between the shopkeeper and his customers. Business was done on the basis of trust, people knew one another, they were all neighbors.The products may not have been cleverly displayed, or offered much choice, but there was a personal bond between the shopkeeper and his customers. Business was done on the basis of trust, people knew one another, they were all neighbors.
Those markets, Francis said, were replaced by what Americans might know as “big box” stores.Those markets, Francis said, were replaced by what Americans might know as “big box” stores.
Then a different kind of store grew up: the supermarket. Huge spaces with a great selection of merchandise. The world seems to have become one of these great supermarkets; our culture has become more and more competitive.Then a different kind of store grew up: the supermarket. Huge spaces with a great selection of merchandise. The world seems to have become one of these great supermarkets; our culture has become more and more competitive.
......
Today’s culture seems to encourage people not to bond with anything or anyone, not to trust. The most important thing nowadays seems to be follow the latest trend or activity.Today’s culture seems to encourage people not to bond with anything or anyone, not to trust. The most important thing nowadays seems to be follow the latest trend or activity.
Updated at 3.48pm BST
2.31pm BST14:312.31pm BST14:31
This was already a packed speech – Francis was expected to speak about the importance of family and the church’s view on marriage – instead, he met with victims of sex abuse this morning and came into the chapel with a message of justice for victims of sex abuse at the hands of priests, and has gone on to speak about the problems with young people putting off marriage.This was already a packed speech – Francis was expected to speak about the importance of family and the church’s view on marriage – instead, he met with victims of sex abuse this morning and came into the chapel with a message of justice for victims of sex abuse at the hands of priests, and has gone on to speak about the problems with young people putting off marriage.
He’s still going off script and we’re trying to keep up!He’s still going off script and we’re trying to keep up!
2.22pm BST14:222.22pm BST14:22
Pope Francis appears to have met with victims of sexual abuse this morning.Pope Francis appears to have met with victims of sexual abuse this morning.
Pope Francis confirms that he has met with victims of clerical sexual abuse this morning prior to addressing bishops in the Seminary chapel.Pope Francis confirms that he has met with victims of clerical sexual abuse this morning prior to addressing bishops in the Seminary chapel.
Father Thomas Rosica, above, is the English-language spokesperson for the Holy See’s press office.Father Thomas Rosica, above, is the English-language spokesperson for the Holy See’s press office.
This is a surprise – Vatican spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi said yesterday he could not confirm whether the Holy Father would meet with the victims of abuse, because he said it could not be a “media” event.This is a surprise – Vatican spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi said yesterday he could not confirm whether the Holy Father would meet with the victims of abuse, because he said it could not be a “media” event.
2.16pm BST14:162.16pm BST14:16
Pope Francis in off-script child sex abuse remarks: "God weeps."Pope Francis in off-script child sex abuse remarks: "God weeps."
Pope Francis just went off script unexpectedly to address child sex abuse in the church:Pope Francis just went off script unexpectedly to address child sex abuse in the church:
[It] continues to be on my mind that people who had the responsibility to take care of these tender ones [children] violated that trust and caused them great pain.[It] continues to be on my mind that people who had the responsibility to take care of these tender ones [children] violated that trust and caused them great pain.
God weeps for the sexual abuse of children. These cannot be maintained in secret, and I commit to a careful oversight to ensure that youth are protected and all responsible will be held accountable.God weeps for the sexual abuse of children. These cannot be maintained in secret, and I commit to a careful oversight to ensure that youth are protected and all responsible will be held accountable.
Those who have survived this abuse have become true heralds of mercy – humbly, we owe each of them our gratitude for their great value as they have had to suffer this terrible abuse sexual abuse of minors.Those who have survived this abuse have become true heralds of mercy – humbly, we owe each of them our gratitude for their great value as they have had to suffer this terrible abuse sexual abuse of minors.
......
I would like to express my gratitude to the archbishop, and I felt it very important that I shared this message with you today, and I am very happy to be able to share these moments of pastoral reflection with you amid the joyful celebrations of this World Meeting of Families.”I would like to express my gratitude to the archbishop, and I felt it very important that I shared this message with you today, and I am very happy to be able to share these moments of pastoral reflection with you amid the joyful celebrations of this World Meeting of Families.”
Francis said these remarks before a prepared speech to bishops at the St Charles Borromeo seminary. He went off script in Spanish, this is the translation of the interpreter for the official papal live stream. Francis said these remarks before a prepared speech to bishops at the St Charles Borromeo seminary. He went off script in Spanish; this is the translation of the interpreter for the official papal live stream.
Updated at 3.50pm BST
2.00pm BST14:002.00pm BST14:00
Pope Francis just entered the hall at St Charles Borromeo to the applause of Catholic seminary students, flanked by his entourage and led by photographers and camera men.Pope Francis just entered the hall at St Charles Borromeo to the applause of Catholic seminary students, flanked by his entourage and led by photographers and camera men.
The students are all smiles.The students are all smiles.
1.58pm BST13:581.58pm BST13:58
The first stop in Pope Francis’s busy schedule in Philadelphia today, the last day of his visit to the United States, begins with a speech to a meeting of bishops at Saint Martin’s Chapel in the Saint Charles Borromeo seminary. Francis has also slept at the seminary while he is in Philadelphia. The speech should begin at about 9:15am.The first stop in Pope Francis’s busy schedule in Philadelphia today, the last day of his visit to the United States, begins with a speech to a meeting of bishops at Saint Martin’s Chapel in the Saint Charles Borromeo seminary. Francis has also slept at the seminary while he is in Philadelphia. The speech should begin at about 9:15am.
Seminarians are already lined up along a hall at St Charles Borromeo, single-file behind a velvet rope. We can also see other church officials walking the corridor.Seminarians are already lined up along a hall at St Charles Borromeo, single-file behind a velvet rope. We can also see other church officials walking the corridor.
The men standing in the hall (only men can be ordained) are continually leaning in to see if they can catch a glimpse of the Holy Father.The men standing in the hall (only men can be ordained) are continually leaning in to see if they can catch a glimpse of the Holy Father.
1.41pm BST13:411.41pm BST13:41
Good morning, and welcome to the Guardian’s continuing coverage of Pope Francis’ historic visit to the US. Today is the pontiff’s final day in the Americas, day nine of a tour that began in Havana and has since taken in Washington, New York and Philadelphia.Good morning, and welcome to the Guardian’s continuing coverage of Pope Francis’ historic visit to the US. Today is the pontiff’s final day in the Americas, day nine of a tour that began in Havana and has since taken in Washington, New York and Philadelphia.
He remains in the City of Brotherly Love today, with a visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility on the schedule before a mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. After that, this evening, Francis will fly back to Rome.He remains in the City of Brotherly Love today, with a visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility on the schedule before a mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. After that, this evening, Francis will fly back to Rome.
In his remarks to the Festival of Families on Saturday night, Francis struck a lighter tone than in previous speeches, in which he has addressed immigration, climate change, women’s rights and other weighty – and, in the US, controversial – subjects.In his remarks to the Festival of Families on Saturday night, Francis struck a lighter tone than in previous speeches, in which he has addressed immigration, climate change, women’s rights and other weighty – and, in the US, controversial – subjects.
Going off script, the pontiff joked and riffed on the subject of family. This from Rory Carroll and Alan Yuhas at the scene:Going off script, the pontiff joked and riffed on the subject of family. This from Rory Carroll and Alan Yuhas at the scene:
The pastoral address ignored the culture wars and instead veered between piety, homespun advice and laughs – including a line about mothers-in-law.The pastoral address ignored the culture wars and instead veered between piety, homespun advice and laughs – including a line about mothers-in-law.
“You know what God loves most?” he asked the crowd, hushed and enraptured on a moonlit night. “To knock on the door of families and to find the families who love each other – families who bring up their children to grow and to move forward. Who create, who develop a society of truth, goodness and beauty.”“You know what God loves most?” he asked the crowd, hushed and enraptured on a moonlit night. “To knock on the door of families and to find the families who love each other – families who bring up their children to grow and to move forward. Who create, who develop a society of truth, goodness and beauty.”
In the meantime, you can see how the pope’s visit has affected the good folk of Philadelphia here, and how it has affected long-suffering, miracle-needing Philadelphia Eagles fans here – all thanks to Jessica Lee, Sarah Eberspacher and Jana Kasperkevic.In the meantime, you can see how the pope’s visit has affected the good folk of Philadelphia here, and how it has affected long-suffering, miracle-needing Philadelphia Eagles fans here – all thanks to Jessica Lee, Sarah Eberspacher and Jana Kasperkevic.