Visit to the U.S.
In September 2015, Pope Francis made a historic visit to the United States, captivating the nation with his message of compassion, humility and social justice.
Over the course of his journey, Pope Francis visited Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia, addressing Congress, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly and processing through Central Park. The Holy Father celebrated Mass with thousands of faithful at the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
The Pope’s warm demeanor, profound spirituality and call for unity and mercy left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions, solidifying his role as a moral voice on the world stage. Bishop Persico shared a part of his experience in a special edition of Faith magazine:
“When I got to the altar, I looked out and there was this sea of people for as far as you could see. It was just amazing. Pope Francis was very pastoral. Seeing the way his visit to the United States moved people has been tremendous.” – The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, bishop of Erie, Faith Magazine (Sept. 2015) 