On the day that Pope Benedict XVI stepped down-- the first pope to resign his position in 600 years-- Catholics in Philadelphia thanked God for his service, and prayed for his successor.
Without question, it was day of history like no Catholic alive has ever seen before. During noon mass at the Cathedral Basilica in Center City, Monsignor Arthur Rodgers called on his parishioners to pray at 2 o'clock, the precise moment Pope Benedict officially left his position. And then the pastor called on all Catholics to go forward, though some couldn't help but look back at Benedict's reign. "I was pleased that, given his age, that he got to Twitter," Paula Harvey told FOX 29. Harvey is a staffer at Catholic Social Services. "The move however has to be into the 21st century," Harvey insisted.
Pope Benedict's final tweet: he thanked his followers for their love and support. A short time later, the Vatican deleted all of his messages, but is saving the twitter account for his successor. A pope many Catholics pray will embrace the future of the church. "If you want to get with young people, you have to be in the medias they're using," Harvey explained. "Social media, absolutely."
Young people are often hard to find at masses like the one presided over by Monsignor Rodgers. John Maier told Fox 29 he doesn't see many people in his age range. "I see an age gap, from maybe 18 to 35," Maier said. "The majority of people are either younger than that or older."
And so as the church transitions to its new leader, many Catholics are hoping the next pope will be more youthful than the frail, elderly Benedict. "Younger attitude, and strong, not afraid," hoped Suann Maier of Yardley, PA. "Things happen so rapidly, you have to be able to move on the media and talk."
Monday, March 11 2013 11:38 AM EDT2013-03-11 15:38:14 GMT
The congregation of cardinals is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss preliminary work and church agendas as they draw closer to scheduling a date for selecting a new pope, FOX News reports.
The congregation of cardinals is scheduled to meet Monday to discuss preliminary work and church agendas as they draw closer to scheduling a date for selecting a new pope, FOX News reports.
Monday, March 11 2013 11:37 AM EDT2013-03-11 15:37:42 GMT
On the day that Pope Benedict XVI stepped down-- the first pope to resign his position in 600 years-- Catholics in Philadelphia thanked God for his service, and prayed for his successor.
On the day that Pope Benedict XVI stepped down-- the first pope to resign his position in 600 years-- Catholics in Philadelphia thanked God for his service, and prayed for his successor.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:08:49 GMT
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.If you were lucky enough to get outside Friday, to a place like the Perkiomen
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 5:49 PM EDT2013-05-14 21:49:13 GMT
A Hollywood A-lister takes the world by surprise by opening up about a very private matter. Angelina Jolie revealed Tuesday she chose to have a double mastectomy to lower her risk of getting cancer.
A Hollywood A-lister takes the world by surprise by opening up about a very private matter. Angelina Jolie revealed Tuesday she chose to have a double mastectomy to lower her risk of getting cancer. Jolie's not the first woman to do it, but she may be the most high profile. Her decision is touching off a serious conversation about the preventive measure.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:27 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:27:41 GMT
Transit officials say a commuter train has struck and killed a man on the tracks outside Philadelphia. It happened around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday on the Southeastern
Transit officials say a commuter train has struck and killed a man on the tracks outside Philadelphia. It happened around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday on the Southeastern
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:12 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:12:21 GMT
A man being questioned by federal authorities in the Boston Marathon bombing probe was fatally shot in Florida when he initiated a violent confrontation, according to the FBI.
A man being questioned by federal authorities in the Boston Marathon bombing probe was fatally shot in Florida when he initiated a violent confrontation, according to the FBI.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:10 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:10:10 GMT
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and The Humane Society of the United States are offering more than $5,000 for information on whoever fatally shot a bald eagle in western Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and The Humane Society of the United States are offering more than $5,000 for information on whoever fatally shot a bald eagle in western Pennsylvania
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:45 AM EDT2013-05-22 10:45:09 GMT
Philadelphia police are hoping surveillance video will help them catch the gunmen who shot and killed a teenager in the parking lot of a Rita's Water Ice.
Philadelphia police are hoping surveillance video will help them catch the gunmen who shot and killed a teenager in the parking lot of a Rita's Water Ice.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:50 AM EDT2013-05-22 09:50:07 GMT
Still feels like summer out there. Highs in the mid 80s today. Just like summer, it'll be humid, with a chance of a few spotty showers late in the day.
Tomorrow, strong thunderstorms move through, from the same cold front that caused the midwest tornadoes. That front will also usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:49:33 GMT
You'll never believe who is dancing circles around these people. Meet the Allentown-area lady with the fancy footwork that leaves her disciples breathless!
You'll never believe who is dancing circles around these people. Meet the Allentown-area lady with the fancy footwork that leaves her disciples breathless!
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:13 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:13:58 GMT
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots and claimed 24 lives.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:04:07 GMT
Bucks County EMT Bryan Elwell is heading out to Oklahoma to help assist overwhelmed emergency responders dealing with the deadly tornado aftermath in Moore, just outside Oklahoma City. He's prepared
Two local EMTs are headed to Oklahoma to help victims and crews dealing with the aftermath of a deadly tornado.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:08:36 GMT
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Police in Lancaster say they've detained two men in an investigation prompted by a woman's call to 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
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A mobile phone shows the Twitter handle for Benedict XVI.
