Religion
world meeting of familiesgay catholicsLGBT CatholicsPhiladelphiaron belgau

Hundreds Turned Away From Only Session On Gays At Catholic Meeting

The room was changed last minute from one that could hold 10,000 to another that seated just 1,000.
Kimberly Winson
At the World Meeting of Families, Ron Belgau, center, and his mother Beverley Belgau, right, described to a packed room what it was like for them dealing with Ron’s same-sex attraction.
At the World Meeting of Families, Ron Belgau, center, and his mother Beverley Belgau, right, described to a packed room what it was like for them dealing with Ron’s same-sex attraction.
Madi Alexander

PHILADELPHIA (RNS) Homosexuality was such a combustible topic at the World Meeting of Families, a four-day Catholic gathering under way here, that it was doused twice.

First, Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput earlier this month barred LGBT Catholics from holding a workshop at a Catholic parish near the event. It moved to a local United Methodist Church instead and is operating simultaneously, but with vastly smaller numbers than the 17,000 people on hand for the main event at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Then, just as the single session on homosexuality at this Vatican-approved meeting of Catholic families was to begin on Thursday afternoon (Sept. 24), a conference official took the stage in the main hall, capable of seating at least 10,000, and announced the location had been moved.

Thousands of people got up and made their way up one floor to another room capable of seating only about 1,000. Hundreds of others were turned away, the doors shut on them by convention center officials citing fire code regulations.

Inside the session, it was standing room only, with some people sitting on the floors and in the aisles. All were silent as Ron Belgau, the sole openly gay man allowed to make a presentation here, took the microphone and, with his mother Beverley, described how he follows a “traditional Christian sexual ethic” that says homosexual activity is sinful.

“Some people have described me as the official face of gay celibate Catholics,” Belgau, 40, said from a small podium at the front of the room. “But the last thing I want after this session is people looking at me. Every parish has gay kids, every family has a member suffering with same-sex attraction. I hope that when you return to your parishes you will be able to accompany them in whatever struggles they face and speak up” against the stigma of same-sex attraction.

At that, the crowd broke into applause — something they did multiple times throughout the session. They seemed especially absorbed when Belgau’s mother, Beverley, took the podium and described her son’s coming out at age 21 as “the worst day of my life.”

“You may think the fact that he is celibate makes my life easier, and in some way it does,” she said. “But to be attracted to the same sex and publicly celibate in a sexually free society is no easy road to walk.”

World Meeting of Families organizers were not immediately available to answers questions about the last-minute move to another room.

But for members of Equally Blessed, a coalition of several groups supportive of LGBT Catholics who are not celibate, the move was an echo of the earlier rebuffs.

“We are just trying to understand and give them the benefit of the doubt,” said Ryan Hoffmann, director of communications for Call to Action, one of the groups in Equally Blessed.

Hoffmann was there with several members of Equally Blessed. He characterized Ron Belgau’s appearance as “generous,” “sincere” and “courageous.”

But he added: “The frustration is that he didn’t speak to the many expressions of love LGBT Catholics and their families experience every day.”

Still, he said, the fact that so many were turned away is a positive sign.

“This just speaks to the fact that people want to talk about LGBT Catholics and their relationship with the Catholic Church,” Hoffmann said.

Also on HuffPost:

Goodbye Pope Francis!
NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images
Pope Francis looks out the window of his plane before departing Philadelphia on September 27, 2015 at the end of his six-day visit to the US.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images
People pray during a mass celebrated by Pope Francis.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
A family watches a Mass on a large screen with Pope Francis in downtown Philadelphia.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
A family prays as they watch a Mass on a large screen.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
A family watches a Mass on a large screen with Pope Francis in downtown Philadelphia.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
Catholic devotees sing as they watch Pope Francis' Mass.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
Women pray as they watch the Mass.
Pool via Getty Images
A U.S. Army serviceman receives communion during a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Pool via Getty Images
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli (C) walks to receive communion.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
Catholic devotees watch a Mass on a large screen with Pope Francis in downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 27, 2015. AFP PHOTO/ ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS (Photo credit should read Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images)
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
A woman does the sign of the cross as she take part in a Mass with Pope Francis in downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 27, 2015. AFP PHOTO/ ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS (Photo credit should read Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images)
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images
People pray during a mass celebrated by Pope Francis for the World Meeting of Families on Benjamin Franklin Parkway September 27, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis is in the United State for the last of 6 days during his first trip as the leader of the Catholic Church. AFP PHOTO/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Jaweed Kaleem/The Huffington Post
Priests offer the crowd communion at Mass along Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sept. 27, 2015.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 27: Pope Francis celebrates mass during the World Meeting of Families on September 27, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Pool via Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 27: Pope Francis delivers the homily as he celebrates mass at the World Meeting of Families at Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 27, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
VINCENZO PINTO via Getty Images
Pope Francis celebrates Mass at Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 27, 2015.
VINCENZO PINTO via Getty Images
Chalices for communion are set during a mass celebrated by Pope Francis at Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 27, 2015.
Pool via Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 27: Pope Francis greets corrections officers during a visit to the Curran-Fromhold Correction Facility September 27, 015 in in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Drew Angerer via Getty Images
Pope Francis waves to the audience after speaking at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, September 27, 2015 in Wynnewwod, Pennsylvania. After visiting Washington and New York City, Pope Francis concludes his tour of the U.S. with events in Philadelphia on Saturday and Sunday. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Drew Angerer via Getty Images
Pope Francis presents an image of Our Lady of Charity from Cuba to Charles Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia, at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
Pope Francis met privately with survivors of sexual abuse at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary on Sunday morning.

Read more here.
Pool via Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Pope Francis attends the Festival of Families along Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 26, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis wraps up his trip to the United States with two days in Philadelphia, attending the Festival of Families and meeting with prisoners at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. (Photo by Eric Thayer-Pool/Getty Images)
VINCENZO PINTO via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives for the Festival of Families in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 26, 2015. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)
Pool via Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Pope Francis speaks at the Festival of Families along Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 26, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis wraps up his trip to the United States with two days in Philadelphia, attending the Festival of Families and meeting with prisoners at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. (Photo by Eric Thayer-Pool/Getty Images)
Pool via Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Sister Sledge performs at the Festival of Families on September 26, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis wraps up his trip to the United States with two days in Philadelphia, attending the Festival of Families and meeting with prisoners at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. (Photo by Matt Rourke-Pool/Getty Images)
Pool via Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Audience members cheer as musician Matt Maher performs at the Festival of Families on September 26, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pope Francis wraps up his trip to the United States with two days in Philadelphia, attending the Festival of Families and meeting with prisoners at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. (Photo by Matt Rourke-Pool/Getty Images)

I just met the cutest mini-pope in all the world. #popeinphilly

A photo posted by Brian Hickey (@brianphickey) on

Jessica Kourkounis via Getty Images
A group of people who drove through the night from Townsend, Massachusetts, cross the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from Camden, New Jersey to see Pope Francis and attend the Festival of Families on September 26, 2015 in Philadelphia.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives to celebrate mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 26, 2015.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives to celebrate mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 26, 2015.
NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives in Philadelphia on September 26, 2015 on the final leg of his six-day visit to the US.
Jessica Kourkounis via Getty Images
People shop for t-shirts and other memorabilia of Pope Francis and the Festival of Families on September 26, 2015 in Philadelphia.
Andrew Renneisen via Getty Images
Pope Francis stumbles up the stairs to his flight from New York en route to Philadelphia from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, New York on September 26, 2015. T
Andrew Burton via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives to celebrate Mass at Madison Square Garden on September 25, 2015 in New York City.

#PopeFrancis gets his virtual #BlueMind on with kids at Our Lady Queen of Angels School in Harlem, NY @pontifex

A photo posted by Wallace J Nichols (@wallacejnichols) on

KENA BETANCUR via Getty Images
Pope Francis reacts as he listens to children singing upon arrival for a visit to a classroom at Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem, in New York.
Pool via Getty Images
Pope Francis greets people inside Our Lady Queen of Angels School September 25, 2015 in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City.
Pool via Getty Images
Pope Francis receives a gift inside Our Lady Queen of Angels School September 25, 2015 in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City.
Pool via Getty Images
Pope Francis greets people inside Our Lady Queen of Angels School September 25, 2015 in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York City.
Pool via Getty Images
Pope Francis walks in the Historic Exhibiion hall of the 911 Museum Memorial with dignitaries including Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Former New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg and looks at a New Testament bible fragment found in debris of the South Tower on September 25, 2015 in New York City.
VINCENZO PINTO via Getty Images
Pope Francis attends a multi-religious service for the victims of 9/11 at the memorial in New York.
Pool via Getty Images
Pope Francis speaks during a ceremony inside the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on September 25, 2015 in New York City.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Pope Francis pauses during a visit to Ground Zero on September 25, 2015 in New York City. Francis visited Ground Zero following his address at the United Nations. The interfaith prayer service will include Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs and Hindus.
VINCENZO PINTO via Getty Images
An attendee takes photos with a cell phone as Pope Francis attends a multi-religious service for the victims of 9/11 at the memorial in New York on September 25, 2015.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Pope Francis pauses to pray during a visit to Ground Zero on September 25, 2015 in New York City. Francis visited Ground Zero following his address at the United Nations.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Pope Francis pauses during a visit to Ground Zero on September 25, 2015 in New York City.
Pool via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Pope Francis prays at the edge of the South Pool at the World Trade Center on September 25, 2015 in New York City.
Pool via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Pope Francis visits the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City and prays at 'Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning' by Spencer Finch on September 25, 2015 in New York City. Reposed behind this blue wall are the remains of many who perished at the World Trade Center site on September 11, 2001.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Pope Francis enters Ground Zero on September 25, 2015 in New York City. Pope Francis visited Ground Zero following his address at the United Nations. The interfaith prayer service will include Muslims, Jews, Christians, Sikhs and Hindus. The Pope will also meet with family members of victims who were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
DOMINICK REUTER via Getty Images
Pope Francis speaks during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 2015, at the United Nations in New York.
VINCENZO PINTO via Getty Images
Pope Francis speaks at the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2015 at the United Nations in New York.
Dimitrios Kambouris via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Pope Francis addresses the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations General Assembly Hall on September 25, 2015 in New York City.
Dimitrios Kambouris via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Pope Francis addresses the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations General Assembly Hall on September 25, 2015 in New York City.
DOMINICK REUTER via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives to deliver a speech to the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 2015, at UN headquarters in New York.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: The 70th Regular Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 70) is to be held to discuss the full spectrum of international issues such as climate agreement, Daesh attacks, Syrian civil war, refugee crisis in the Mediterranean and Aegean sea on September 25, 2015 at UN headquarter in New York. On 25 September 2015,
VINCENZO PINTO via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives to speak at the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2015 at the United Nations in New York.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Spectators wait along Fifth Avenue ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis at St. )
Pool via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis waves to guests as he exits Saint Patrick's Cathedral after leading evening Vespers on September 24, 2015 in New York City.
Pool via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis addresses the congregation during evening Vespers at Saint Patrick's Cathedral on September 24, 2015 in New York City.
Pool via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis prepares to lead evening Vespers at Saint Patrick's Cathedral on September 24, 2015 in New York City.
Pool via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Guests take photos of Pope Francis' arrivval at Saint Patrick's Cathedral on September 24, 2015 in New York City.
Andrew Burton via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Crowds wait for Pope Francis to arrive on 5th Avenue on September 24, 2015 in New York City.
VINCENZO PINTO via Getty Images
Pope Francis waves as he approaches St. Patrick's Cathedral to lead evening prayers in New York on September 24, 2015.
Alo Ceballos via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis arrives by helicopter on September 24, 2015 in New York City.
Patrick Smith via Getty Images
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis departs from Washington, DC en route to New York City on September 24, 2015 in Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
Patrick Smith via Getty Images
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis bids farewell to Secretary of State John Kerry as he departs from Washington, DC en route to New York City on September 24, 2015 in Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
Patrick Smith via Getty Images
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: U.S. servicemembers prepare for the departure of Pope Francis from Washington, DC en route to New York City on September 24, 2015 in Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: People take pictures in front of a road block on Fifth Avenue ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis at St. Patrick's Cathedral on September 24, 2015 in New York City. Pope Francis will land at John F. Kennedy Airport after a two-day visit to Washington D.C. and will conduct a number of events while in New York including a motorcade through Central Park and Mass in Madison Square Garden.
Pool via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis, left, has a selfie taken with Michael Brown as he walks through the crowd during a visit to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Pool via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Cartrice Haynesworth, center, has a selfie taken with Pope Francis, left, as he walks through the crowd during a visit to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Pool via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Children wait for Pope Francis to arrive and bless a meal outside the Catholic Charities office September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Pool via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Michael White listens to hymns while waiting for Pope Francis to arrive and bless a meal outside the Catholic Charities office September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Pool via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis greets parishioners, immigrants and clients of Catholic Charities as he arrives at St. Patrick's Church September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Pool via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis greets people as he arrives to pray at St. Patrick's Church on September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC. Pope Francis is on a five-day trip to the United States, which includes stops in Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia, after a three-day stay in Cuba. St. Patrick's is the oldest Catholic parish in Washington. (Photo by Saul Loeb-Pool/Getty Images)
Pool via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis (2-R) pauses in front of a sculpture of Spanish-born Junipero Serra, the Franciscan Friar known for starting missions in California, in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol on September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC. Pope Francis is on a five-day trip to the USA, which includes stops in Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia, after a three-day stay in Cuba.
Win McNamee via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC. Pope Francis is the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress and will finish his tour of Washington later today before traveling to New York City.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, USA - SEPTEMBER 24: His Holiness Pope Francis enters the House of Representatives chambers to address a joint session of the United States Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, USA on September 24, 2015.
Mark Wilson via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC. Pope Francis is the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress and will finish his tour of Washington later today before traveling to New York City.
Win McNamee via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis is greeted by members of Congress as he arrives to speak during a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Pool via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 24: Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) (R) speaks with Pope Francis (L) in the U.S. Capitol building before the Pontiff speaks to a joint meeting of Congress September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC.
MOLLY RILEY via Getty Images
Pope Francis greets well-wishers the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States on September 24, 2015 in Washington, DC.
NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images
People gather in front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on September 24, 2015 before Pope Francis addresses a Joint Session of Congress on the third day of his six-day visit to the US.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images
Crowds wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the Capitol building.
NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images
Immigration reform activists hold a banner in front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC.
Jaweed Kaleem/The Huffington Post
Anderson Mayorga, 10, shows off his Pope Francis shirt in Washington DC.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images
People pray while Pope Francis celebrates a Canonization Mass for Rev. JunÃpero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. Pope Francis is in the United State for 6 days during his first trip as the leader of the Catholic Church. AFP PHOTO/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images
Pope Francis celebrates a Canonization Mass for Rev. Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images
Pope Francis delivers a homily during a Canonization Mass for Rev. Juni­pero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images
People sing while Pope Francis celebrates a Canonization Mass for Rev. Juni­pero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images
People listen during a Canonization Mass with Pope Francis for Rev. Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Mark Wilson via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: Pope Francis speaks to bishops during the midday prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Mark Wilson via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: Pope Francis attends the Midday Prayer Service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. The Pope began his first trip to the United States at the White House followed by a visit to St. Matthew's Cathedral, and will then hold a Mass on the grounds of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives at a midday prayer with US bishops at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC, on September 23, 2015 on the second day of his six-day visit to the US.. AFP PHOTO/NICHOLAS KAMM (Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)
Mark Wilson via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: Pope Francis stands at the altar of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for a private prayer before participating in the Midday Prayer Service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew on September 23, 2015 in Washington DC.
Mark Wilson via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: Pope Francis arrives for the midday prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: Pope Francis leans out and waves to the crowd as he rides in a popemobile along a parade route around the National Mall on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Astrid Riecken via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: Pope Francis blesses a child handed to him during a parade on the streets around the Ellipse, south of the White House, September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.

A photo posted by Lilly (@__lillygram) on

A photo posted by @argentinafirecracker on

Win McNamee via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: (L-R) Pope Francis and U.S. President Barack Obama stands for the national anthem of the United States during the arrival ceremony at the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Win McNamee via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) shakes hands with Pope Francis (L) during the arrival ceremony at the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.
MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images
US President Barack Obama talks with Pope Francis during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, September 23, 2015.
Alex Wong via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: (L-R) Pope Francis and U.S. President Barack Obama talk in the Oval Office during the arrival ceremony at the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Win McNamee via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 23: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and first Lady Michelle Obama (L) wave from the balcony with Pope Francis (C) in an arrival ceremony at the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.
JIM WATSON via Getty Images
US President Barack Obama and Pope Francis walk down the West Wing Colonnade to a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, September 23, 2015.
JIM WATSON via Getty Images
Pope Francis speaks during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, September 23, 2015. More than 15,000 people packed the South Lawn for a full ceremonial welcome on Pope Francis' historic maiden visit to the United States. AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images
Huffington Post
White House Welcome Ceremony
Live Stream: Pope Francis participates in a welcome ceremony at the White House.
Behind The Scenes - Preparing For The Pope
The White House released a behind the scenes video on what it's like to prepare for a papal visit.

Welcoming #PopeFrancis to the US with the @peacecorpsconnect crew! #RPCVlife #PopeInDC

A photo posted by maricarmen. (@maricarmenmsm) on

Pope Francis in town

A video posted by Richard Marko (@4richardmarko) on

"The Pope gives me climate hope" #popeindc

A photo posted by Banafsheh Ghassemi بنفشه قاسمی (@iambanafsheh) on

VINCENZO PINTO via Getty Images
US Secretary of State (C) greets clergy as US Vice President Joe Biden (R) looks on before the arrival of Pope Francis at the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington,DC. President Barack Obama will host Pope Francis at the White House for the first time Wednesday, warmly embracing the Catholic pontiff seen as both a moral authority and potent political ally. AFP PHOTO / VINCENZO PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Pope Francis waves from the back of his Fiat after arriving from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Pool via Getty Images
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: (AFP OUT) Pope Francis departs in a Fiat after arriving from Cuba to the United States September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as Pope. (Photo by Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Supporters cheer for Pope Francis after he arrived from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as Pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: (EDITORS NOTE: Retransmission with alternate crop) Pope Francis (L) is escorted by U.S. President Barack Obama as he greets and other political and Catholic church leaders after arriving from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as Pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
Pope Francis greets children alongside US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, September 22, 2015, on the start of a 3-day trip to Washington. AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
SAUL LOEB via Getty Images
Pope Francis (L) walks alongside US President Barack Obama (C) and US First Lady Michelle Obama (R) upon arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, September 22, 2015, on the start of a 3-day trip to Washington. AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images
US President Barack Obama (L) greets Pope Francis (R) upon his arrival September 22, 2015 at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. AFP PHOTO/MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)
MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images
US President Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis upon his arrival on September 22, 2015 at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. AFP PHOTO/MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Pope Francis shakes hands with Vice President Joe Biden along with U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and other political and Catholic church leaders after arriving from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as Pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Pope Francis shakes hands with Vice President Joe Biden along with U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and other political and Catholic church leaders after arriving from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as Pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Pope Francis steps off his plane at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, September 22, 2015, on the start of a 3-day trip to Washington. Pope Francis arrived in the United States on Tuesday for his first-ever visit, a trip that will include a meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama and a speech to Congress. AFP PHOTO/MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Members of the Army's 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, or The Old Guard, roll out the red carpet for Pope Francis ahead of his arrival from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The Pontiff will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images
Pope Francis arrives at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, September 22, 2015, on the start of a 3-day trip to Washington. Pope Francis arrived in the United States on Tuesday for his first-ever visit, a trip that will include a meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama and a speech to Congress. AFP PHOTO/MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Pope Francis arrives to the United States from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Jaweed Kaleem/The Huffington Post
Jaweed Kaleem/The Huffington Post
Jaweed Kaleem/The Huffington Post
Jaweed Kaleem/The Huffington Post
Jaweed Kaleem/The Huffington Post
Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - SEPTEMBER 22: Banners celebrating the visit of Pope Francis are hung ahead of his arrival from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The Pontiff will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as pope. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images
Pope Francis T-shirts are seen for sale on a street corner near the White House on September 22, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Go To Homepage

Before You Go

Popular in the Community