The Pope praised the United States on his way home from his three-city tour.

Pope Francis spoke with reporters aboard his plane back to Rome Monday.

He said he was impressed with the character of his three host cities of Washington, New York City and Philadelphia.

"What surprised me was the warmth, the warmth of the people, so lovable,” the pope said. "It was a beautiful thing and all so different. Washington, the welcome was warm but more formal. New York was a bit exuberant. Philadelphia was very demonstrative. Three different kinds of welcome. I was very struck by this welcome, but also by the religious ceremonies and the piety of the people."

Upon returning home, the pope tweeted: