Breaking News! Pope Francis visits the U.S.

Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, recently made his first visit to The United States.  His visit caused a great excitement among many people and his public events attracted thousands. 

To give some background, Pope Francis is known for his somewhat liberal views on different economic and social issues.  He has shown a particular interest in helping the poor around the world and is concerned about inequality between the rich and the poor.  Francis is also very concerned about bishops, priest and other high officials in the Catholic Church living to princely lives (fancy cars, expensive houses, etc., etc.).  He tells them to live simpler lives.  The Pope is also known to reach out to young children.  Despite these views, Pope Francis has not made any changes in official church doctrine regarding  gay marriage, abortion or other social issues.   

During Francis’s visit to the U.S., he held many public events across the east coast.  Among these was a huge public mass in Madison Square Garden in New York City.  And also many events in Philadelphia, including one that my own grandmother went to, an event that expected approximately one million people!  Along with the public events, Pope Francis held the ceremony for a man just promoted to sainthood, met with the president in the White House, and became the first Pope to address the joint houses of congress. 

Just one cool fact: Francis traveled around in a funky little car that people called the “popemobile”!!!

Pope Francis’s visit to the U.S. was in the media across the country, radio, television and newspapers all had the story.  His visit was very exciting to this country and we hope that he visits again soon.