When Pope Francis comes to Philadelphia next month, will you bow to tradition and kiss the Fisherman’s Ring, shake hands with the Holy Father, or attempt for a papal selfie?
The Diocese of Metuchen is offering some advice to the faithful heading to Philadelphia for Francis this September. Millions are expected for the Sept. 26-27 events in Philadelphia. “Do not run towards him,” the diocesan advisory reads. “Do not toss things at the pope.”
Young adults and children can get away with embracing him; he will clasp the hand of an elderly person and almost bow down in front of them.”
For adults, a simple handshake. You might say to him, ‘Holy Father, please pray for me.
The holy father will not take any gifts. Supplicants are also unlikely to kiss the papal ring. Francis is also less likely than other popes to extend his ring finger.
Pope Francis In Philadelphia 