Scottish Catholic Observer

Archbishop Charles Joseph Chaput of Philadelphia today unveiled details of the eighth World Meeting of Families. The September 2015 World Meeting will take place in the US city and it is hoped that Pope Francis will personally attend.

Speaking at the launch in Rome, Archbishop Chaput (above) said that the city is ‘bringing together the best experts they can enlist to address the pastoral, social, economic and cultural challenges that families now face.’

“In the end, our goal is simple,” he said. “We want to help families strengthen their family life in very practical ways.”

The archbishop went on to praise Philadelphia as an ‘American Catholic icon’ and said the city had a long history of service to immigrants, minorities, persons with disabilities, the elderly, the hungry and the poor. However, he also said that the Church in the city is in need of renewal in the wake of a sexual abuse crisis revealed through a number of grand jury investigations in the last ten years.

“We have a duty to help abuse victims and their families to heal, and to protect children and young people from harm in the years ahead,” the archbishop said. “At the same time, the Church still has the duty to help people find God and to live their faith with joy and conviction. The story of repentance and new life was the story of ancient Israel, and it’s the story of the Church at her best throughout history.

“I think faithful Catholics everywhere know that. And they long for a chance to deepen God’s presence in their own families, and to share the Gospel with a world that urgently needs hope. That’s why—with the help of God—the World Meeting of Families in 2015 will achieve everything God intends for it.”

Preparations for the 2015 event are being made in the hope that Pope Francis will announce his intention to attend. Michel Nutter, the mayor of Philadelphia, is in Rome as part of the delegation and is remaining cautiously optimistic about the possibility of the Holy Father’s attendance at the World Meeting.

“My focus is that we are prepared for that hopeful participation and appearance,” Mayor Nutter said. “Regardless of what happens, we’ll be fully prepared and engaged and ready.”

—[email protected]