Governor Tom Corbett today issued the following statement
regarding the announcement by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, and The Holy See
of Philadelphia as the first North American host of the World Meeting of Families.
In addition to this confirmation, the Vatican also announced the official dates for
this gathering, which will be September 22-27, 2015.
"I am delighted that Philadelphia -- the birthplace of religious freedom in the United
States -- has been confirmed as the host for the Eighth World Meeting of Families in
September 2015. Today across Pennsylvania our places of worship are full of
strong, persevering people of faith. This special event is not only an opportunity to
welcome families from around the world, but an opportunity to celebrate the
religious heritage and freedom that have built both our state and our nation."
"Men and women of faith played a profound role in building not only Philadelphia,
but the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We are a state that is enriched by our
diversity of faiths. As the first ever North American host for the World Meeting of
Families, I am confident that Pennsylvanians--of all faiths--will warmly welcome all
those who will join us for this historic event."
Corbett has accepted Archbishop Chaput's invitation to serve as Honorary Co-Chair
of the 2015 World Meeting of Families with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.
"Although I am unable to join Archbishop Chaput and Mayor Nutter in Philadelphia
for today's announcement, I look forward to working closely with them not only to
create an outstanding experience for the tens of thousands of visitors we will
welcome in September 2015 but also, for all citizens of our Commonwealth who will
join in this special event."