Pope expected to visit Philadelphia in 2015 as part of World Meeting of Families celebration
In the city where the Founding Fathers first declared the United States independence, the catholic church will hold its first World Meeting of Families celebration on American soil, which likely includes a visit from the pope.
The eighth installment of the family celebration, which is known to draw hundreds of thousands of religious and non-religious from around the globe, will run from September 22 to 27 in 2015.
Mayor Michael Nutter today suggested the city’s history made the city an attractive destination.
“Philadelphia was founded on the principles of religious tolerance,” he said.
Archbishop Charles Chaput said he isn’t sure why Philadelphia was chosen as the first American destination to hold the event.
“His holiness didn’t tell me,” Chaput said.
The celebration occurs once every three years. While the total cost of the event is still unclear, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is tasked with raising the needed funds.
