WELCOME, PAPA

Pope Francis to Make 1st U.S. Trip in 2015

Will visit Philadelphia in September.

Pope Francis confirmed that he intends to make his first papal trip to the U.S. next year. “I wish to confirm, according to the wishes of the Lord, that in September of 2015, I will go to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families,” the pope said in a speech Monday. The World Meeting of Families, which is held every three years, is considered the largest gathering of Catholic families. The pope’s three-day visit will include Sunday Mass on the Ben Franklin Parkway, and as many as two million people could attend. Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, who is organizing the event, said he “applauded loudest” when the pope confirmed he would attend.