Pope To Celebrate Mass In Philadelphia As His U.S. Visit Nears End

By Scott Neuman / NPR

Published September 27, 2015 at 9:26 AM PDT

This story was published more than 9 years ago.

People gather on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway before the Papal Mass on Sunday in Philadelphia.

People gather on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the papal Mass on the final day events with Pope Francis in Philadelphia, on Sunday. After six days in the U.S., Francis returns to Rome Sunday evening.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Philadelphia to see Francis as his popemobile wound through the streets ahead of his last Mass on U.S. soil before departing this evening for a return trip to Rome.

The pope waved to the crowd as his motorcade, flanked by cycle police and official vehicles, made its way to the dais. At one point, the popemobile stopped so Francis could greet well-wishers.

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Earlier, Francis met with victims of child sex abuse and decried the priest pedophile scandal, saying "God weeps" over what has happened as he promised to do what is necessary to hold those responsible accountable for their sins.

The pope, meeting with 300 bishops this morning, also commented on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, calling it a "profoundly immoral and unjust decision."

Before he makes a schedule 8 p.m. ET departure for the Vatican, Francis is expected to have a private meeting with Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden and to greet and bless some 5000 members of the World Meeting of Families.