It's official: Pope Francis is coming to the United States.
The pontiff announced plans Monday morning to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia between Sept. 22 and Sept. 27, 2015.
Archbishop Charles Chaput and organizers of the meeting were on hand for the announcement in Rome.
In a statement, Chaput said he's overjoyed by the announcement, noting that Francis has made a focus of his papacy the challenges that families across the globe face today.
While details of the visit likely won't be released until the spring or summer, the pope's presence will require coordination among local, state and federal security.
Philadelphia officials said they expect the pope to be on hand for the forum's closing events.
He'll be just the fourth reigning Pontiff to visit the U.S. in its history.
"This is wonderful news and a real blessing to all of us who live and work so close to Philadelphia," said Bishop John Barres, Diocese of Allentown. "Pope Francis is a dynamic spiritual leader who has energized the faith of Catholics around the world. That the Holy Father will be as close to us as Philadelphia will be a moment of great grace and will benefit the Catholic church in this diocese, and all people of good will, in ways that will resonate well into the future. It will be a great moment of unity for the entire community.”
The events will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and be open to the public.
Officials have said that the meeting, which focuses on strengthening family bonds, could attract more than could million people.
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