WASHINGTON – Media sources have confirmed Vatican reports that Pope Francis intends on visiting the United States in September 2015. In addition to a planned visit to the eighth World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, it’s been speculated the Holy Father may address the General Assembly of the United Nations during his trip.

Catholics United Executive Director James Salt made the following statement in response to the news:

“American Catholics are thrilled Pope Francis wants to visit the United States next year. Francis has inspired the world with his simple lifestyle, heartfelt concern for the poor and non-judgemental approach towards gay people. His voice is needed in America more than ever before, especially in Pennsylvania.

“Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput will be the host of the
World Meeting of Families and is known for his strident opposition to abortion and the rights of gay people. The Pope’s visit to Pennsylvania could have a seismic effect in re-calibrating the American Catholic Church’s moral priorities, especially as they relate to the needs of the poor and how the Church can better minister to families with LGBT members.

“To that end, Catholics United is excited to help roll out the welcome mat.”

For more information about the recent spate of Catholic school firings of gay people, see Thursday’s New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/23/us/gay-marriages-confront-catholic-school-rules.html?_r=0

Founded in 2004, Catholics United, and its educational arm, Catholics United Education Fund, are non-profit, non-partisan organizations dedicated to promoting the message of justice and the common good found at the heart of the Catholic Social Tradition.

For more information about Catholics United, “like” us on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CatholicsUnited), follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/CatholicsUnited) or on our blog at www.OurDailyThread.org.

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