Philadelphia – Francis Blessing Catholic-Jewish Statue

Philadelphia – Pope Francis has blessed a new statue honoring the relationship between Catholics and Jews.

Francis stopped at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia on his way back to the city before celebrating Mass in front of a massive crowd Sunday afternoon.

The sculpture was unveiled Friday and commemorates the 50th anniversary of a document that urged stronger relations between the two religions. Francis was joined by his longtime friend, Argentinian Rabbi Abraham Skorka.

Francis is traveling downtown and will transfer to the popemobile for a procession along the parkway to the altar in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Up to a million people or more are expected to crowd into the area for the Mass, and many reported waiting for hours to pass through security checkpoints.