Pope Francis Celebrates Mass On Ben Franklin Parkway, Drawing More Than Half A Million
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Pope Francis led more than half a million of the faithful in a Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Sunday afternoon.
It marked a mountain-top closing moment for the World Meeting of Families celebration in Philadelphia.
Before taking to the altar, the Holy Father boarded the popemobile for one final trip down the Parkway where thousands cheered and waved and snapped photos.
PHOTOS: Pope Arrives To The Parkway For Mass
Pope Francis, joined by cardinals, bishops, priests, and deacons, and hundreds of thousands of the faithful used his outdoor cathedral on the Parkway to bring people together to celebrate and support the family. In his homily, the pope stressed the importance of the simple gestures each of its members perform such as a warm supper or a hug before bed are signs of tenderness, affection and compassion.
READ: Pope Francis Delivers Homily During Mass On Ben Franklin Parkway
He called families and their homes true domestic churches and said they are the right place for faith to become life, and life to become faith. Before leaving, the pope thanked the congregation, and, asked one final favor.
"And I ask you to pray for me, don't forget."
READ: Complete Papal Visit 2015 Coverage
KYW's Mark Abrams contributed to this report...
