Pope Francis makes historic visit to United States

Jordan Darensbourg
MC Contributor/Staff Writer

Pope Francis visited the United States and addressed many of the issues facing countries worldwide.

During his visit, the Holy Father paid a visit to Washington, D.C., where he would visit the White House and President Barack Obama.  He then celebrated mass at the National Catholic Cathedral before addressing Congress. Something never done by a Pope before.

Pope Francis conveyed his message of peace and love as well as embracing diversity.  According to the Associated Press, some words that have been described are humble, understanding, genuine & empathetic.

During his homily during Sunday mass, Fr. Ricardo Phipps, pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church on Lynch Street near Jackson State, said, “Although it is exciting that Pope Francis is in the U.S., it is surprising that there is some opposition, most notably from priests.”

Phipps explained, “It is because they feel like worldly issues such as climate change have no place in the church.”

Many students were in awe of the pontiff’s message of peace and love.

“I think it’s great that Pope Francis is in the U.S.  He’s a really great Pope,” said Aja Brimm, a sophomore vocal performance major from Austin, Texas. “He embodies what I feel a Christian should be.”

The Pope also traveled to New York City, where he was greeted by adoring fans along 5th Avenue as well as Times Square.  After that, he would take part in an interfaith service.  He then celebrated mass at the internationally-famed Madison Square Garden with nearly 18,000 Catholics.  Pope Francis would then take a drive through Central Park, followed by a visit with schoolchildren in Harlem.

The next day, Pope Francis celebrated mass at the famed St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.  Hundreds of priests, nuns, and dignitaries such as Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York and  mayor Bill de Blasio, and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer.

The Bishop of Rome then traveled to Philadelphia, Pa., where he spoke at Independence Hall, where, according to the Associated Press, some 40,000 immigrants turned out for the papal address.

He also attended a music festival which turned out some 500,000 people.  He ended the visit to the U.S. by holding Sunday mass in front of 1 million Catholics.  However, a huge thing that came out of this was the blessing of a disabled young man at the Philadelphia airport after his arrival Saturday morning.

Elbert McGowan, campus minister and RUF adviser at JSU was excited about the Pope’s visit to the U.S.

“What I liked most was his time with Obama.  Also, his teachings on refugees and the church’s call to receive them.  He understands the limits on government.  The government can’t fix everything.  But…..the church can do more,” said McGowan.