Local Catholics celebrate pope's visit

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sunday was Pope Francis' last day of his historic trip to the United States.
That visit took him to Washington, New York and Philadelphia.

News4Jax reporter Ashley Mitchem attended mass at Assumption Catholic Church. Those who attended say having the pope in the United States has been an honor.

"He's talked about the gospel the good news that God loves everyone that he especially loves support and listens to him and Pope Francis has really brought that home it's for everyone," Karen Montana said.

"The fact that he has been able to corral an entirely new generation is the biggest factor for me with him being here this time," Joe Nelms said

On Pope Francis' last day in the United States he met with victims of clergy sexual abuse, met with bishops at St. Martin's Chapel, then met with about 100 inmates at a prison in Philadelphia.


This was the first time a pope has ever visited a U.S. prison.
The Pope also held a huge mass closing the World Meeting of Families.


Father Frederick Parke of Assumption Catholic Church talked about the Pope's main message while in the states.

"People disagree but we love and the call of love and value of family especially when the family is under attack right now I just enjoyed that immensely," Parke said.