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Pope Francis was headed home Monday after enjoying a rapturous reception in Cuba and the United States for his message of reconciliation, humility and care for those in need. But he rejected the notion of being a “star”, telling reporters aboard the papal plane that his job was to be “the servant of the servants of God… It’s a bit different from a star!” Throughout the nine-day trip, huge crowds lined the streets everywhere the 78-year-old pontiff went in Cuba, Washington, New York and Philadelphia. Francis became the first pope to address the US Congress, calling on elected leaders to take responsibility for crafting a fairer economic system, confronting global warming, restricting the arms trade and abolishing the death penalty. In New York, he led a multi-faith prayer for world peace at Ground Zero, testament to the September 11, 2001, attacks killed nearly 3,000 people, a place that he said “speaks so powerfully of the mystery of evil.” In Philadelphia, the Vatican s...

Pope Francis is greeted by Secretary of State John Kerry and other members of Congress at the Capitol on Thursday. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Attendees of Pope Francis’ speech to Congress on Thursday morning had been drilled on the proper protocol to observe. This was not a State of the Union address, which normally begins and ends with glad-handing. There was to be no hugging of the pope. No sticking out hands to shake. Absolutely no selfies. And so as the pope entered the House chamber, he was able to make his way down the aisle quickly, with small nods here and smiles at the members of Congress who stood applauding and trying as hard as Catholic schoolchildren to be good. As Francis reached the front of the room, however, he turned and approached a startled Secretary of State John Kerry with his hand extended. The two exchanged brief words, and the pontiff continued to his place behind the podium. That single handshake speaks volumes about how Pope Francis has impacted...

By Brian Prowse-Gany The excitement is palpable at the East Harlem parochial school Our Lady Queen Of Angels. Principal Joanne Walsh has her hands full, not only with the new school year but with preparing students and staff for a surprise visit from the holiest of guests. On Friday, Sept. 25, Pope Francis will visit the school on Manhattan’s East 112th Street, where he will personally meet 24 lottery-winning third and fourth graders from Our Lady Queen of Angels and three other nearby schools that are also among the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York. Superintendent Timothy McNiff acknowledges the challenges Catholic schools have faced in recent years, especially in New York City. Moving to a predominantly layperson staff has resulted in higher operating costs. And enrollment has declined as many families struggle to pay tuition. But with a new breed of energetic neighborhood-based principals and an incredible 97 percent graduation rate for students — the majority ...