'Family is beautiful': Pope Francis reminds how important familiy is during the star-studded World Meeting of Families' Festival of Families

Pope Francis is welcomed by musicians and families from all over the world.

Pope Francis was welcomed by array of celebrity guests and families with inspirational stories during his stop at the World Meeting of Families' Festival of Families in the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (Catholic Online) - Thousands of people looked on as Pope Francis listened to stories of overcoming obstacles and finding hope in times of sorrow. After each heartwarming testimony from families all over the world, Pope Francis approached them and gave words of love.

Hosted by celebrity, Mark Wahlberg, the remarkable event brought together an entire nation in the meaning of family and the spirit of love.

Pope Francis was entertained by many musical acts, including Gospel singer, Aretha Franklin and The Fray.

Taking center stage Pope Francis looked out to the crowd and stated, "The most beautiful thing that God did, says the bible, was the family."

He stated that even in hard times, it is important that the family stays intact. That God so loved the family that it was a family he put Jesus in.

"Some of you might say, 'Father, you speak because you're not married,'" the Holy Father stated. "Families have difficulties. Families will quarrel. Sometimes plates can fly. And children bring headaches. I don't want to speak about mothers-in-law. But in families, there is always light.

"In the family, there are indeed difficulties. But those difficulties are overcome with love. Hatred is not capable of dealing with any difficulty, and overcoming any difficulty. Division of hearts cannot overcome any difficulty. Only love is able to overcome.

"Family is beautiful, but there's effort involved, and there are problems. Husbands and wives quarrel, and end up badly, separated. Never let the day end without making peace. Let's protect the family, because it's in the family that our future is at play."

Before exiting the event, Pope Francis was shown a beautiful mural created in name of his visit to the United States and the 2015 World Meeting of Families. As a finishing touch, the artist had Pope Francis sign a portion of the mural.

The Holy Father reminds us all how important faith is in the family and how equally important the family is in society and in the future.

God bless the Family, and God bless Pope Francis.

Pope Francis will return to Benjamin Franklin Parkway tomorrow afternoon for the World Meeting of Families Mass at 4:00 p.m. (EST).

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