Pope Francis Wraps Up Trip To U.S. With Full Day Of Events In Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PENN. (CBSNewYork) -- Pope Francis continued his first visit to the United States with a trip to Philadelphia on Saturday.
As CBS2's Danielle Nottingham reported, Pope Francis arrived in Philadelphia with a message about religious freedom and immigration.
Late in the afternoon, Francis arrived at Independence Hall to loud cheers.
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Outside the building where America's founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, Francis gave his message of religious freedom.
"It is a fundamental right," said the pontiff.
Pope Francis Wraps Up Trip To U.S. With Full Day Of Events In Philadelphia
Pope Francis spoke from the same lectern President Abraham Lincoln used to deliver the Gettysburg Address.
"It is imperative that the followers of the various religions join their voices in calling for peace," Francis said.
The pope traveled from New York City to the City of Brotherly Love Saturday morning. In the background, a marching band played the theme from the movie "Rocky" as he descended the stairs of the plane.
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After touching down in Philadelphia, Frances had another of his impromptu moments, when he ordered his car to stop.
Francis got out and walked to 10-year-old Michael Keating, who suffers from cerebral palsy. The pope kissed the boy as his sobbing mother looked on.
Francis later held a Mass and said the Catholic church in the United States requires a more active role for women.
"It means valuing the immense contribution which women have made and continue to make," the pontiff said.
Saturday night wrapped up with a Vatican-sponsored concert called "Festival of Families."
