Cheering crowds reach out to Pope Francis as he rides through the sea of people

(Vatican Radio) To the delight of the crowds packing St. Peter’s Square and the adjoining Via della Conciliazione, Pope Francis concluded Sunday morning celebrations with a slow ride right to the end of the avenue and up a side street in his pope-mobile, smiling and reaching out to all.

After greeting the many official delegations present for the canonization ceremony, the Pope invited Rome Mayor, Ignazio Marino, to jump onto the pope-mobile for a few minutes for a quick embrace and a thank you to the city of Rome for doing so much to host the event.

The Pope in the pope-mobile then proceeded all the way down Via della Conciliazione, received by the wildly cheering faithful with outstretched arms.