Pope Francis, often regarded as “The People’s Pope,” made his first United States visit on the week of September 22. He stayed in the country for five days and was met by enormous crowds and cheers on each of his stops: Washington D.C, New York City and Philadelphia.

Pope Francis started his tour in Washington D.C where he was greeted by President Barack Obama and invited to give a speech on the White House lawn. In his speech, Pope Francis thanked Americans for their warm welcome and addressed how he looked forward to his stay. However, the speech quickly turned political as he praised President Obama on his initiative to reduce air pollution and urged everyone to help take care of “[our] common home.” Pope Francis also urged his audience to help the international community’s efforts to “protect the vulnerable” in the world.

Pope Francis then addressed a joint meeting of Congress, becoming the first Pope to do so. In his speech he embodied liberal traditions with his “passionate defense of immigration, an endorsement of environmental legislation, a blistering condemnation of the arms trade and a plea to abolish the death penalty.” However, he also pleased conservatives with his remarks on “religious liberty, the traditional family and the sanctity of life at “every stage of its development.”

Pope Francis continued his tour in New York City, arriving at JFK that Thursday afternoon. Shortly after his arrival, he led an evening prayer at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The following day he spoke at the United Nation’s General Assembly and visited the World Trade Center, where he joined an interfaith prayer service. “It is possible to live in a world of peace,” Pope Francis asserted. “It is possible to live together with our different paths, different cultures, and different religions.” Pope Francis stressed the ideas of tolerance and accepting those with different beliefs and ideas. Pope Francis then went on a Papal motorcade through Central Park, greeting crowds of adoring supporters of all faiths and nationalities. Concluding his day, Pope Francis held Mass at Madison Square Garden.

On Saturday morning, Pope Francis departed to Philadelphia, the last stop on his tour. His main purpose was to attend the World Meeting of Families. He also addressed children of sexual abuse and stated that he would “commit [himself] to a careful oversight to ensure that youth are protected and that all responsible will be held accountable.” Pope Francis also visited the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia and met face-to-face with several inmates, urging them to rehabilitate themselves to “rejoin society.”

Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on September 27. However, he left his mark on America and many of its citizens. Recently President Barack Obama, one of Pope Francis’ many supporters, said that the pope made him want to be “better.” Will the pope’s visit have a lasting impact? While it is too early to tell, the fact that Pope Francis’s visit brought together people from all scopes of the world and different religions is undeniable.