Pope Francis was given the rock star treatment as he arrived for an audience at the Vatican. The crowd cheered and screamed with joy as the Pope entered the large hall that was filled with Catholics, with followers reaching out to touch him as he passed them by. Women could be seen crying as the Pontiff stopped to shake hands with members of the thousand-strong crowd and plant kisses on the cheeks of children. Scroll down for video Rock star treatment: People reach out to touch Pope Francis as he arrives to give a speech at the Vatican The crowd screamed and cheered as the Pope stopped to greet his followers, with some women bursting into tears
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Crowds screamed and cheered as the Pope arrives for a speech at Vatican
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Catholics reached out to touch the Pontiff as he made his way to the stage
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Smiling Pope Francis stopped to greet gathered families and kiss children
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He said Mafia would be welcomed back to the Church if they gave up crime
He said the @placeholder would welcome them in if they promised to put their criminal lives behind them.