Pope Francis at recent interreligious Vatican conference (see what appears to be Rick Warren in front row)

LTRP Note: Posted for informational and research purposes. Interesting to note that the announcement was made during an “interreligious Vatican conference on traditional family values,” in which Rick Warren participated.  Question to think about: Did Rick Warren play a role in getting the Pope to the US, and will Rick Warren play a role in the Pope’s visit to the US. in 2015? Perhaps the Pope will make a stop at Saddleback. After all, as we reported earlier this year, a delegation of Catholic bishops visited Rick Warren and Saddleback to gain some “wisdom” on how to accelerate the Catholic New Evangelization program using Purpose Driven methods.

By Kathy Matheson
Associated Press

“Pope confirms Philly trip for families conference”

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Organizers of the World Meeting of Families for months were coy when asked if Pope Francis would come to Philadelphia for the massive Roman Catholic-sponsored gathering.

It turns out that when the pontiff finally confirmed his attendance Monday, organizers already had gotten inside information from an unimpeachable source: Francis told Gov. Tom Corbett during a Vatican meeting in March that he would make the journey, his first papal visit to the United States.

“The Holy Father answered our invitation by whispering three words in Tom’s ear: ‘I will come,'” said Susan Corbett, Pennsylvania’s first lady.

Protocol kept them from saying anything publicly until now, she said at a news conference hours after the pope’s statement.

Still, the timing of Francis’ announcement — made during an interreligious Vatican conference on traditional family values — came as a bit of a surprise and set cellphones abuzz in Philadelphia around 3:30 a.m. EST. Organizers had not expected official word until later next year. Click here to continue reading.

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