It's a packed schedule for the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who begins a three-city, five day tour of the United States this week.
Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, will visit Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City over the next week. Hundreds of thousands of onlookers are expected to gather in all three cities, with the hope of catching a glimpse of the pope.
In Philadelphia, the hotels are so packed some travelers are turning to a different type of accommodation. Travelers may opt to "sleep with the fishes," on the nearby Camden waterfront. The battleship USS New Jersey is offering sailor's bunk beds to overnight guests. The 11-story ship, which now functions as a museum, will become a giant, floating bed and breakfast.
Prior to his arrival in the U.S., the pope made a historic trip to the island nation of Cuba, where among rides in his famous 'pope-mobile', he attended a youth rally and spread his message of hope. Mary Maloney has more.
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SPEAKING TO A CROWD OF THOUSANDS -- POPE FRANCIS HAD ADVICE FOR CUBA'S CHILDREN.
(Pope Francis): "Open yourself and dream."
SUNDAY -- HE ARRIVED AT THE REVOLUTIONARY PLAZA IN HIS FAMOUS POPE-MOBILE
(Pope Francis): "To serve means to take care of the fragile ones in our family, in our community, in our people."
IN ATTENDANCE AT THE MASS: CUBAN PRESIDENT RAUL CASTRO, WHO RECENTLY SAID THAT THIS POPE HAS INSPIRED HIM TO CONSIDER JOINING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
(Pope Francis): "Thank you to you, Mr. President, for all that you do in the cause for reconciliation."
FRANCIS' VISIT TO CUBA COMES AT A TIME OF MAJOR CHANGE FOR THE SMALL ISLAND NATION.
HE WAS A KEY PLAYER IN NEGOTIATIONS THAT LED TO THE RESTORATION OF DIPLOMATIC TIES BETWEEN THE U.S. AND CUBA.
AN EXAMPLE OF THE POLITICAL INFLUENCE WIELDED BY THIS GLOBAL RELIGIOUS LEADER.
(Pope Francis): "Who will want to be great will serve the others, not to serve himself from the others."
During his trip to the U.S., the pope plans to speak to congress in Washington, before heading to New York and a visit to the 9/11 memorial. The pope also has plans to visit with underprivileged communities, including the homeless and prison populations... and with immigrant families, during his visit.
Instructional Links
Website: Pope Francis Visit 2015
http://www.popefrancisvisit.com
Website: Pope Francis Biography Infographic
http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/pope-francis-biography-graphic.cfm
Encyclopedia Article: World Book Kids: Francis
http://www.worldbookonline.com/kids/home#article/ar844073 (May Need Password)