Press Releases

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to Host Variety of Events and Programs During World Meeting of Families and Papal Visit

September 16th, 2015

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will host a number of events and programs for all ages during the week of the World Meeting of Families and Papal Visit. The Young Adults of the Cathedral Parish have organized an evening of song and prayer on September 19 called Night Fever in anticipation of the festivities of the World Meeting of Families and the visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia.

Beneficial Bank Creates Commemorative Beneficial Visa® Promotional Cards for the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015

September 15th, 2015

Limited edition, co-branded Beneficial Bank & World Meeting of Families- Philadelphia 2015 promotional cards will provide Congress participants with a secure method of making purchases during the week of Pope Francis’ visit in September

Pope Francis to Bless Encuentro Cross Prior to Independence Hall Speech

September 14th, 2015

The blessing of the cross symbolizes the journey of faith of Hispanic and Latino Catholics in the United States.

World Meeting of Families—Philadelphia 2015 Announces Musical Performers for Programming Prior to the Papal Mass

September 14th, 2015

The World Meeting of Families –Philadelphia 2015 today announced that pre-programming on the Eakins Oval Stage prior to the Papal Mass on Sunday, September 27 will feature nine artists/groups and will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. EDT.

World Meeting of Families—Philadelphia 2015 Announces Mark Wahlberg as Host for The Festival of Families with Aretha Franklin and The Fray as New Performers

September 14th, 2015

Beyond the addition of Mr. Wahlberg, Ms. Franklin and The Fray, pre-programming for the Logan Square and Eakins Oval Stages was also announced with comedian, Jim Gaffigan as the final act before the Papal Parade.

World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 Unveils Official Banners and Installs the First of More Than 550 Event Banners across the City

September 14th, 2015

The hanging of the first World Meeting of Families Banners at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul kicks-off the largest single installation of banners since the 2000 Republican National Convention

Life-size Marble Casting of Michelangelo’s Pietà Will Be On Display at World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015

September 13th, 2015

This famous work of art depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the crucifixion.

Mass for Persons with Disabilities to be Celebrated During World Meeting of Families

September 11th, 2015

This year’s Mass is hosted by the Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate along with National Catholic Organizations who serve the needs of persons with disabilities and the Deaf community.

Letter of Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. to the Jewish Community at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

September 10th, 2015

I would like to take this occasion, along with the clergy and parishioners of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, to express our prayerful solidarity with the Jewish community, as you observe the holydays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

World Meeting of Families—Philadelphia 2015 Provides Update on Tickets for the Papal Mass

September 9th, 2015

10,000 tickets were made available online for this event beginning today at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Tickets were available on a first come, first served basis and individuals were limited to four (4) tickets per person. There was absolutely no cost associated with these tickets.