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Pope Francis Back In Rome After Historic Trip To US

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- After a whirlwind visit to Cuba and the United States, Pope Francis is back at the Vatican.

The pope waved farewell at the airport in Philadelphia as he boarded a plane for Rome Sunday evening.

Soon after landing, he tweeted, "With my heartfelt thanks. May the love of Christ always guide the American people! ."

The pope left the U.S. with a message of gratitude to President Barack Obama and the American people, as well as a final request to end his historic visit.

"Do not let your enthusiasm for Jesus, his Church, Our families, and the broader family of society run dry," Francis said.

PHOTOS: Pope Francis In Philadelphia

At the beginning of his last day in the U.S., Francis met with sex abuse survivors and vowed that those responsible would be held accountable.

Francis also spent time Sunday with prison inmates, embracing one man and encouraging all inmates to get their lives back on track.

Pope Francis In NYC: Full Coverage | CBS2 Video |Photos | Facebook

Before boarding his plane to Rome, Pope Francis looked back on his time in the U.S. – focusing specifically on Ground Zero in New York.

"I was also very moved to stand with my brothers and sisters of other religions at Ground Zero, that place which speaks so powerfully of the mystery of evil," the pontiff said. "Yet we know with certainty that evil never has the last word, and that, in God's merciful plan, love and peace triumph over all."

Last Friday, the pope took part in an interfaith service and stopped to pray at the south tower reflecting pool before visiting the 9/11 memorial museum.

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