Pope Francis encourages laity to step up during Mass in Philly

Pope Francis spoke to a crowd of about 2,400 during Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia on Saturday. He urged laypeople to take on more active roles in the Catholic Church while still respecting spiritual authority, The New York Times reports.

"We know that the future of the church calls for a much more active engagement on the part of the laity," Francis said.

In particular, the pope highlighted the contributions women both lay and religious have made to the community, echoing the appreciation for nuns he expressed in a Thursday speech in New York City.

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After landing in Philadelphia, Francis' last stop on a nine-day trip to the U.S. and Cuba, the pope stopped on the airport tarmac to bless a 10-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, The Los Angeles Times reports.

Francis is also expected to visit the Independence Mall and the Festival of Families on Saturday.