The pre-Mass sentiment at the Cherry Street Tavern was unanimous. Pope Francis would deliver. The Eagles would win. Your basic Philly miracle.
And so it was on this unusual Sunday, as the tavern at 22nd and Cherry streets served first as an Eagles game tailgate party , and, later, as a refuge for those who couldn't get in to the Papal Mass.
"The Pope comes, the Eagles get their first miracle," said patron Rick Lacey, 60, of Springfield, after the team triumphed over the New York Jets 24-17. He then added: "The pope needs two to be canonized.