Pope in Philly

Philadelphia’s papal weekend in photos

September 28, 2015
  • Pope Francis arrives at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. The Pope will spend the last two of his six days in the U.S. in Philadelphia as the star attraction at the World Meeting of Families, a conference for more than 18,000 people from around the world that has been underway as the pope traveled to Washington and New York. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

    Pope Francis arrives at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015. The Pope will spend the last two of his six days in the U.S. in Philadelphia as the star attraction at the World Meeting of Families, a conference for more than 18,000 people from around the world that has been underway as the pope traveled to Washington and New York. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

  • Pope Francis arriving to the Parkway on Sunday, Sept. 27 for the papal Mass. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)

    Pope Francis arriving to the Parkway on Sunday, Sept. 27 for the papal Mass. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)

Pope Francis is gone, and Philadelphia has begun to sweep up the debris, but memories of the weekend will not be soon forgotten. Look back through these images to review some poignant moments from the papal visit.

Before he departed for Rome, the pontiff addressed several dignitaries at the airport, including Vice President Joe Biden and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. “My days with you have been brief,” Pope Francis said, “but they have been days of great grace for me and, I pray, for you too. Please know that as I prepare to leave, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and hope.” 

He asked the vice president to extend his gratitude and prayers to President Obama and Congress. “This land has been blessed with tremendous gifts and opportunities,” said the pope. “I pray that you may all be good and generous stewards of the human and material resources entrusted to you.

“May our days together bear fruit that will last, generosity and care for others that will endure!”

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