Pope Francis Meets With President, Celebrates Mass In Washington
WASHINGTON (CBS) – Pope Francis wrapped up a busy and historic day in the nation's capital.
On Wednesday, the pontiff met with President Barack Obama, drove through the streets in the popemobile and then celebrated mass.
And it's what he did during that mass that is now a part of the history books.
PHOTOS: Pope Francis In The United States
A crowd of more than 25,000 was on hand to see the Pope.
Pope Francis made history again Wednesday, canonizing a saint for the first time on U.S. soil.
After some controversy, the Pope elevated missionary Junipero Serra to sainthood in a mass celebrated in Spanish at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
"He's all heart, and that's what I love about him," said Sister Gertrude Gillette of Charlotte.
Luke Bader of Delaware County is a senior at the Catholic University of America were the mass was held.
CBS 3 Eyewitness News asked him how Pope Francis is connecting to his generation.
"I think that he's really helping the younger generation who may be a little bit more socially liberal instead of the older generation who might be a little bit conservative. I think he's giving us an outlet to try and channel our Catholicism," said Bader.
The pope delighted crowds all day.
"My heart is still beating from seeing the pope!"
Riding down Constitution Avenue while bodyguards lifted up children to be blessed.
A little girl, five-year-old Sophie, handed the Pope a message about immigration.
"All immigrants just like my dad feeds this country," she said.
Earlier at the White House the Holy Father called on Catholics and the country to take care of the poor and the planet.
"Climate change is a problem," said Pope Francis.
The Pope also met with U.S. bishops encouraging them to be close to the people and welcoming to immigrants.
Thousands of faithful including the infirmed came to the mass to soak up what the Holy Father had to say.
Mildred and Mel brought their three-year-old daughter from their home outside Baltimore.
They were hoping Pope Francis would bless her.
"I just want Pope Francis to bless my daughter. She has a lot of complicated medical issues."
It was an emotional day for many of the faithful.
Thursday Pope Francis will continue to make history as he will be the first Pope to address a joint meeting of Congress.
