Pope Francis' tour of the U.S. is turning out to be quite remarkable as His Holiness continues to inspire people with his messages of hope and unity.
At the Vatican-sponsored conference held on Saturday, Sept. 26, dubbed the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, His Holiness addressed over 18,000 people saying that families are important "factories of hope."
An animated Pope Francis addressed the crowd with an impromptu speech instead of his prepared monologue in talking about the challenges one faces day-to-day. The Pope addressed the crowd in Spanish and paused after each sentence so that the English translator could convey his message as well.
He peppered his address with lighthearted remarks on quarrels between couples and mother-in-laws to bring home his message.
"Love is celebration. Love is joy. Love is moving forward," said the Pope adding that "Some of you might say, of course, 'Father, you speak like that because you're not married!' Families have difficulties. In families we quarrel. Sometimes, plates can fly. Children cause headaches. I won't speak of mother-in-laws."
As the crowd erupted into laughter Pope Francis added "Forgive the phrase, but a family is like a factory of hope, a factory of resurrection."
The Pope advised families who fight frequently to not let a day end without resolving the issue.
He asked people to focus on their family. The Pope also spoke of parenthood and said that children often bring challenges and can be a parent's cause for worry. However, patience, love and hope could overcome all hurdles.
His Holiness also bemoaned the fact that several families did not even have access to health care, did not have homes or stayed in congested conditions. He lamented that people had to make so many sacrifices to receive basic amenities.
The Pope did not condemn gay marriages or wax eloquent on the benefits of the perfect nuclear family that is headed by the father and mother. The pontiff did not speak on the rise in divorce or unmarried couples living-in together as reasons for a traditional family to encounter difficulties.
The event also saw musical performances from Andrea Bocelli and Aretha Franklin, who sang Amazing Grace.
