Philadelphia, The City of Brotherly Love, welcomed Pope Francis during the last leg of his U.S. visit. The Pope addressed a large gathering outside the Independence Hall, the iconic building where the U.S. Constitution was signed.
"In this witness, which frequently encounters powerful resistance, you remind American democracy of the ideals for which it was founded, and that society is weakened whenever and wherever injustice prevails. Do not forget the lessons you learned from your elders, which are something you can bring to enrich the life of this American land," Francis said, stressing on freedom while reminding Americans about the ideals of the Founding Fathers of the Nation, reported CNN. Adding a further historical dimension to the address, the Pope gave his speech from the same lectern that Abraham Lincoln used to give the Gettysburg Address.
Later in the evening, the pontiff attended the World Meeting of Families, an event that was attended by Mark Wahlberg, Sister Sledge, comedian Jim Gaffigan, Andrea Bocelli and gospel legend Aretha Franklin.
"There are some things we really need to take care of: the children, and grandparents. Children, whether they are young or older, they are the strength that moves us forward. We place our hope in them.
"Grandparents are the living memory of the family. They passed on the faith, they transmitted the faith, to us. To look after grandparents, children, is the expression of love. The people that does not care for its children or grandparents is a people that has not future. Because it doesn't have the strength or the memory to go forward," the Pope said, stressing on the importance of familial values, children and grandparents, reported The Guardian.
Music, prayer and speeches by people from different continents on the joys and challenges of family life at the World Meeting of Families prompted the Pope to say, "In the family, there are difficulties, but those difficulties are overcome with love. Love is about celebration, love is joy, love is moving forward," reported U.S. News.
Philadelphia experienced an almost complete lockdown for the Pope's visit. Commuters were less on public transport, while restaurants complained of low footfalls.
