<\/a>Jordan Darensbourg
\n<\/strong>MC Contributor\/Staff Writer<\/em><\/p>\n

Pope Francis visited the United States and addressed many of the issues facing countries worldwide.<\/p>\n

During his visit, the Holy Father paid a visit to Washington, D.C., where he would visit the White House and President Barack Obama.\u00a0 He then celebrated mass at the National Catholic Cathedral before addressing Congress. Something never done by a Pope before.<\/p>\n

Pope Francis conveyed his message of peace and love as well as embracing diversity.\u00a0 According to the Associated Press, some words that have been described are humble, understanding, genuine & empathetic.<\/p>\n

During his homily during Sunday mass, Fr. Ricardo Phipps, pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church on Lynch Street near Jackson State, said, \u201cAlthough it is exciting that Pope Francis is in the U.S., it is surprising that there is some opposition, most notably from priests.\u201d<\/p>\n

Phipps explained, \u201cIt is because they feel like worldly issues such as climate change have no place in the church.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many students were in awe of the pontiff\u2019s message of peace and love.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s great that Pope Francis is in the U.S.\u00a0 He\u2019s a really great Pope,\u201d said Aja Brimm, a sophomore vocal performance major from Austin, Texas. \u201cHe embodies what I feel a Christian should be.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Pope also traveled to New York City, where he was greeted by adoring fans along 5th Avenue as well as Times Square.\u00a0 After that, he would take part in an interfaith service.\u00a0 He then celebrated mass at the internationally-famed Madison Square Garden with nearly 18,000 Catholics.\u00a0 Pope Francis would then take a drive through Central Park, followed by a visit with schoolchildren in Harlem.<\/p>\n

The next day, Pope Francis celebrated mass at the famed St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral in Manhattan.\u00a0 Hundreds of priests, nuns, and dignitaries such as Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York and\u00a0 mayor Bill de Blasio, and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

He also attended a music festival which turned out some 500,000 people.\u00a0 He ended the visit to the U.S. by holding Sunday mass in front of 1 million Catholics.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Elbert McGowan, campus minister and RUF adviser at JSU was excited about the Pope\u2019s visit to the U.S.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I liked most was his time with Obama.\u00a0 Also, his teachings on refugees and the church\u2019s call to receive them.\u00a0 He understands the limits on government.\u00a0 The government can\u2019t fix everything.\u00a0 But\u2026..the church can do more,\u201d said McGowan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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