By David Sedeno Catholic News Service PHILADELPHIA — Pope Francis met with a group of survivors of sexual abuse Sept. 27 and later told bishops that he was overwhelmed by a sense of embarrassment and was committed to holding accountable those who harmed children. In a meeting with cardinals, bishops, …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service PHILADELPHIA — While pilgrims in Philadelphia put up with a long weekend of lines and security checks at the papal venues, the pope reached out to a group of people whose lives are lines and security checks for years at a time. Pope Francis …

By Laura Ieraci Catholic News Service PHILADELPHIA — Pope Francis threw away a prepared text and, to the delight of tens of thousands of people on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, spoke from the heart about the challenges and love that come with being part of a family. After listening to …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service PHILADELPHIA — Not far from where the Liberty Bell is on display, Pope Francis urged the people of the United States to continue to “proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” as the bell’s inscription says. Meeting Sept. 26 with …

By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service PHILADELPHIA (CNS) — There is no single way for every person at a papal Mass, or even near one, to be excited. Whether on one’s feet or in one’s seat, people feel a certain tingle when they know the pope of the Roman Catholic …

By Angela Cave Catholic News Service NEW YORK  — It wasn’t always comfortable waiting for papal events in New York — there were long lines, temperamental security personnel and dashed hopes for last-minute tickets — but when pilgrims did make it into events, the inconveniences quickly became memories when the …

By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service PHILADELPHIA — Riad Sargi and his family are glad to know that Pope Francis has not forgotten the suffering of the people of Syria. “I met Pope Francis two years ago in Rome. When I met him I asked him to do everything possible …

By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service PHILADELPHIA — Pope Francis encouraged Pennsylvania’s Catholic clergy and women and men religious to challenge young people to develop “high ideals, generosity of spirit and love for Christ and the church.” In his first Mass in Philadelphia, Pope Francis recalled St. Katherine Drexel, a …

By David Agren Catholic News Service NEW YORK  — Pope Francis encouraged an audience of Catholic school students and immigrants to live with joy and dare to dream. He also highlighted the immigrant experience — in a way children could understand, comparing it to seeking acceptance and making friends in …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service NEW YORK  — Seeing New York for the first time in his 78 years of life, Pope Francis said he knew Madison Square Garden was an important gathering place for sporting events and concerts. For him, it was transformed into a chapel in the …