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Usa26 September 2015

Pope Francis is in Philadelphia, the third and final stage of his visit to the United States.

Welcomed by the ovation of thousands of people crowded in the street, Francis made his entrance into the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul where he celebrated mass with the bishops, priests, men and women religious of Pennsylvania.

Breaking down walls is the history of the Church "


" This morning I learned something about the history of this splendid Cathedral.

- the pontiff said in his homily - The story behind its high walls and its windows.

I like to think, however, that the history of the Church in this city and in this State is actually a history that not only includes the construction of walls, but also their demolition.

It is a story that speaks to us of generations and generations of committed Catholics who went to the peripheries and built communities for worship, education, charity and the service of society in general, "Francis said.



" This story - continued Francis, in Spanish, immediately translated into English by Monsignor Mike Miles who accompanies him during his trip to the USA as an interpreter - he can be seen in the many sanctuaries that dot this city, and the numerous parish churches whose bell towers speak of the presence of God in among our communities.

It can be seen in the effort of all those priests, religious and lay people who, with dedication, for more than two centuries, have cared for the spiritual needs of the poor, immigrants, the sick and prisoners.

And it shows in the hundreds of schools where religious brothers and sisters have taught children to read and write, to love God and neighbor, and to contribute as good citizens to the life of US society.

All this is a great inheritance that you have received, and which you are called to enrich and pass on ".

"The future of the Church is in the most active role of lay people and women"


In front of Archbishop Charles Joseph Chaput, the clergy and local authorities including former governor Tom Corbett, Bergoglio added: "The future of the Church, in a rapidly changing society already requires a much more active participation of the laity. This, in particular, means appreciating the immense contribution that women, secular and religious, have given and continue to give to the lives of our community".



The involvement of the entire population of Philadelphia, the first capital of the United States, was extraordinary in the historic visit of the pontiff.

Many white-yellow flags and welcome banners fly from the buildings in the center and in the suburbs and shops and businesses display photos of Francesco.

A mobilization that is unprecedented in the other visits of popes to the United States.

A large crowd rushed into the streets of the center to greet the Pope's passage. There was also a huge deployment of police forces who have cordoned off hundreds of roads and intersections to allow limited circulation of private and public cars, without ever crossing the path of the Pope, kept absolutely free since yesterday afternoon. 



Some difficulties for Pope Francis just before take off from New York's Jfk airport.

The Holy Father, due to the strong wind, stumbled several times in his long dress, but once on the threshold of the plane he gave a smile to everyone present, before leaving for Philadelphia.

As soon as he got off the plane, Francesco got on the now famous 500L used to travel around the USA but, seeing a group of disabled children greeting him behind the barriers, he immediately got out of the car and went to greet them.

In Philadelphia, Bergoglio will close the World Meeting of Families today and tomorrow.