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.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:26 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:26:18 GMT
Philadelphia Police are looking for a man that sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Germantown.Police say the incident happened just before 11P.M. on May 19th on the 6000 block of Wister Street.The suspect
Philadelphia Police are looking for a man that sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Germantown.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:01 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:01:49 GMT
Kasey's bark may be worse than her bite. But Hamilton Township Police say the crook who tried to rob Draper Ellis late Thursday afternoon at his "May's Landing Auto Parts Store" didn't stick around
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:08:04 GMT
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed.
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed. FOX 29's Bruce Gordon spent a day with folks preparing a veterans' cemetery for its day in the spotlight.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:48 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:48:26 GMT
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:30 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:30:28 GMT
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a fabulous Summer season. From the relaxing beaches to the famous boardwalk, Ocean City is safe, clean and has some of the best food
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a spectacular Summer season.
Friday, May 24 2013 4:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:40:06 GMT
Not the prettiest Friday, but we're ready for a great weekend. Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. After an early high in the upper sixties, temperatures fall & winds pick up out of the chillier northwest. Right now the Memorial Day Weekend looks sunny and cool with highs in the low to mid 60s on Saturday, in the 70s Sunday & Monday. Cooler temps at the shore.
A mobile phone shows the Twitter handle for Benedict XVI.
