The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 today rejoiced as Pope Francis officially confirmed his visit to Philadelphia, PA for the Eighth World Meeting of Families, set to be held September 22-27, 2015.

Today is one of great joy for our Archdiocese, our City, our Commonwealth and our country! It was a privilege to be in the presence of our Holy Father this morning in Rome when he announced to the world that he will be with us in Philadelphia next year for the World Meeting of Families.

In remarks offered today in Rome, Pope Francis formally announced his intention to attend the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, set to be held September 22-27, 2015. This visit will mark his first to the United States as pope. He will be only the fourth reigning Pontiff to visit our nation in its history.

The World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 today packaged 10,000 letters from students across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to send to Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, in Rome, Italy. Ranging from beautifully crafted greeting cards to handwritten letters with emotionally resonant messages of love for their own families, students from across the Archdiocese created personal invitations to Pope Francis to visit Philadelphia in September 2015.

In remarks offered today at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Fall Assembly, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. announced that registration for the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, which is being held September 22-25, 2015 in Philadelphia, PA, is now officially open.