ROME (AP) — Pope Francis is coming to the United States.
The pontiff this morning announced he plans to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September. Archbishop Charles Chaput and organizers of the meeting were on hand for the announcement in Rome.
In a statement, Chaput says he’s overjoyed by the announcement, noting that Francis has made a focus of his papacy the challenges that families across the globe face today.
While details of the visit have yet to be finalized, the pope presence would require coordination among local, state and federal security. Philadelphia officials expect the pope to be on hand for the forum’s closing events.
Officials have said that the meeting, which focuses on strengthening family bonds, could attract more than 1 million people.
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