STATEMENT REGARDING THE ATTENDANCE OF POPE FRANCIS AT THE WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES-PHILADELPHIA 2015

By Kenneth A. Gavin
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadlephia
July 25, 2014

http://archphila.org/press%20releases/pr002411.php

There has been no official confirmation by the Vatican or The Holy See of Pope Francis' attendance at the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. We still expect that any official confirmation will come approximately six months prior to the event.

Archbishop Chaput has frequently shared his confidence in Pope Francis' attendance at the World Meeting and his personal conversations with the Holy Father are the foundation for that confidence. We are further heartened and excited by the comments of the Vatican Press Office regarding Pope Francis' "willingness to participate in the World Meeting of Families." While Archbishop Chaput's comments do not serve as official confirmation, they do serve to bolster our sincere hope that Philadelphia will welcome Pope Francis next September.