Pope's visit causes twist in pro football schedule

April 23, 2015

The National Football League (NFL) revised its schedule for the 2015 season to accommodate a visit by Pope Francis to Philadelphia.

Philadelphia's Archbishop Charles Chaput wrote to NFL officials, asking them to avoid scheduling a game in Philadelphia during the Pope's visit to the city in September, which will coincide with the 3rd week of the pro-football season. NFL games are ordinarily played on Sundays, and a papal Mass, expected to draw as many as 2 million people, is planned for that day.

The NFL acceded to the request. As a result, the Philadelphia Eagles will play the first four games of their season on the road.

 

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Further information:

• How Pope Francis influenced the Eagles 2015 schedule (New York Daily News)