Francis bids farewell to the United States. At the airport in Philadelphia, he meets with the members of the organizing committee, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families. To US: "Be kind and generous guardians of human and material resources that have been entrusted you".

Philadelphia (AsiaNews) – May "families continue to strive for holiness and to see the Church as their constant companion, whatever the challenges they may face". With a thought to the recently concluded World Meeting - as well as thanks to all who have contributed to the success of the trip - Pope Francis said goodbye last night, to the United States.

In an airport hangar in Philadelphia, the Pope met with members of the organizing committee, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting: 500 people and also the US Vice President Joe Biden. Yet more songs and testimonies from families, before Francis ascended the plane (pictured).

The Pope’s thanks were also addressed to families " who shared their witness during the meeting. It is not so easy to speak openly of one’s life journey! But their honesty and humility before the Lord and each of us showed the beauty of family life in all its richness and diversity. I pray that our days of prayer and reflection on the importance of the family for a healthy society will inspire families to continue to strive for holiness and to see the Church as their constant companion, whatever the challenges they may face".

Addressing Biden, the Pope returned to speak of the US as " blessed with tremendous gifts and opportunities. I pray that you may all be good and generous stewards of the human and material resources entrusted to you”.

" It was particularly moving for me to canonize Saint Junípero Serra- he continued - who reminds us all of our call to be missionary disciples, and I was also very moved to stand with my brothers and sisters of other religions at Ground Zero, that place which speaks so powerfully of the mystery of evil. Yet we know with certainty that evil never has the last word, and that, in God’s merciful plan, love and peace triumph over all".

"Your care for me and your generous welcome are a sign of your love for Jesus and your faithfulness to him. So too is your care for the poor, the sick, the homeless and the immigrant, your defense of life at every stage, and your concern for family life. In all of this, you recognize that Jesus is in your midst and that your care for one another is care for Jesus himself. As I leave, I ask all of you, especially the volunteers and benefactors who assisted with the World Meeting of Families: do not let your enthusiasm for Jesus, his Church, our families, and the broader family of society run dry. May our days together bear fruit that will last, generosity and care for others that will endure! Just as we have received so much from God – gifts freely given us, and not of our own making – so let us freely give to others in return".

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