PHILADELPHIA — Pope Francis’ six-day, three-city tour of the U.S. this week evolved from a pledge he made last fall to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. Stops in Washington and New York were added after Francis put the triennial, Vatican-sponsored conference on his agenda. Here are answers to key questions about the event opening Tuesday that’s spurring Francis’ first-ever visit to America and the City of Brotherly Love:
Organizers describe the conference blending prayer, religious instruction and faith-themed lectures, as the world’s largest gathering of Catholic families.
With more than 18,000 people signed up, this year’s will be the most attended of the eight World Meetings. That’s double the registrations for the last World Meeting, in Milan in 2012.
The World Meeting of Families was conceived by Pope St. John Paul II in 1992 (The first one wasn’t held until 1994.) He started the event to explore family bonds and the role of families in society. He presided over the inaugural edition in Rome during the UN’s International Year of the Family.
More than 100 countries will be represented this year, with the highest number of registrants coming from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Pakistan and Vietnam.
Boston Archbishop Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley and evangelical pastor Rick Warren are teaming up for a talk on living a life of faith and joy and trusting in God’s plan.
Los Angeles Archbishop José Horacio Gomez is speaking on the impact of the U.S. immigration system on families and children and calling for reforms to protect human rights.Breakout sessions cover a variety of topics tied to family and relationships, including interfaith marriage, divorce, dating, the “hook-up culture,” sexuality, reproduction and infertility.
“There’s No Vacation from Vocation” covers the role of God’s will in day-to-day decisions. “Loving on the Edge” deals with using faith to heal the pain of damaged relationships.source:AP
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