Pope Francis Will Visit America

US President Barack Obama meets with Pope Francis, Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the Vatican. Obama called himself a "great admirer" of Pope Francis as he sat down at the Vatican Thursday with the pontiff he considers ... US President Barack Obama meets with Pope Francis, Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the Vatican. Obama called himself a "great admirer" of Pope Francis as he sat down at the Vatican Thursday with the pontiff he considers a kindred spirit on issues of economic inequality. Their historic first meeting comes as Obama's administration and the church remain deeply split on issues of abortion and contraception. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) MORE LESS
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Pope Francis is coming to the United States.

Francis confirmed Monday that he will travel to the U.S. next year to participate in a rally for families in Philadelphia. He confirmed his presence at the World Meeting of Families during a speech to an interreligious conference on traditional family values at the Vatican.

Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput (SHAP’-yoo), who is organizing the meeting, was on hand for the announcement and welcomed the news. Chaput told The Associated Press, “I applauded the loudest” when Francis made the announcement.

Officials have said that the meeting, which focuses on strengthening family bonds, could attract more than 1 million people.

During his first visit to the U.S. as pope, Francis is expected to address Congress and also deliver a speech to the United Nations to mark its 70th anniversary.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Latest News
Comments
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: