Title
Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Pope Francis' historic visit to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families 2015 (WMOF), as the City prepares for historic events in 2026.
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WHEREAS, In September 2015, the City of Philadelphia welcomed Pope Francis during his first visit to the United States, culminating in the Eighth World Meeting of Families, a triennial gathering sponsored by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family. The event attracted attendees from more than 100 counties, with a Papal Mass attended by nearly one million
pilgrims on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway; and
WHEREAS, As we approach 2026, the year Philadelphia will host the United States Semiquincentennial, the FIFA World Cup, and other major international events, Pope Francis's visit, thanks to efforts by Mayor Michael Nutter and Archbishop Charles Chaput, serves as a powerful reminder of the City's proven ability to welcome the world; and
WHEREAS, Pope Francis' visit included public and private events, with an address at Independence Hall, a trip to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, and the Festival of Families, all of which showcased Philadelphia's spirit of faith, unity, and hospitality; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of their extraordinary contributions, Pope Francis bestowed Papal Honors upon 46 individuals from a broad spectrum of religious backgrounds, including Dorian and Carl Anderson, Kathy and Robert Ciaruffoli, Angela and Richard Clark, David L. Cohen, Donna Crilley Farrell, Kathy and Ward Fitzgerald, Lucille and Dr. Jerry Francesco, Ellen and H. Edward Hanway, Joan and Daniel Hilferty, Frances and James Maguire, Jeanette and Joseph Neubauer, Aileen and Brian L. Roberts, Brian Tierney, and many others who served in leadership roles and provided vital support to the event; and
WHEREAS, The WMOF in Philadelphia marked a significant moment for the City, generating over $418 million in regional economic impact and more than 2 billion global media impression...
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