Preparations For A Pope: Pope Francis To Visit Philadelphia
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Father Thomas Rosica, founder of Salt & Light Television, Canada's Catholic network, has a close working relationship with the Vatican.
He has been serving as the English language media assistant since before the election of Pope Francis and has observed up close the man who has re-energized the Catholic church.
"This is a seasoned pastor, a loving man, a wise leader, a teacher, a shepherd, someone who's got that Latino touch. There'll be lots of abrazos and hugs and kisses."
Rosica says when the pope arrives here in Philadelphia at the end of September, he will look to lift up families of all faiths and an archdiocese which has suffered through the clergy-abuse scandal.
"A city that's looking for a shot in the arm, a city that's looking for a message of hope."
And, as for the pope's words.
"The message spoken here is the message for the world and not just for the archdiocese, for Pennsylvania or for the United States."