Pope will visit Philadelphia in 2015 for World Meeting of Families

July 25, 2014

Archbishop Charles Chaput has disclosed the Pope Francis plans to attend the World Meeting of Families, to be held September 2015 in Philadelphia.

Although the Vatican has not made an official announcement, the Pope "has told me he is coming," Archbishop Chaput said. He said that the Pontiff would be in Philadelphia for the final 3 days of the meeting, September 25-27. (As a rule, the Vatican does not formally confirm papal trips until a few weeks before they take place.)

The archbishop also announced that Pope St. John Paul II and St. Gianna Molla are the patron saints of the meeting.

The two “had a deep and abiding commitment to strengthening the family and sustaining it with love,” he said at a recent Mass. “This historic event will give thousands from around the globe the opportunity to share in the same commitment of our patron saints.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Archbishop names patron saints for World Meeting of Families (CatholicPhilly.com)
• Archbishop Chaput confirms pope to visit Philadelphia in September 2015 (CNS)