Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. is in Milan today where Pope Benedict XVI announced during the World Meeting of Families that Philadelphia has been chosen as the site for the 2015 meeting. As part of the Milan event, Archbishop Chaput received the icon of the Holy Family, which is the symbol of The World Meeting of Families.

Archbishop Chaput said, "I am so grateful to the Holy Father that he has chosen Philadelphia and excited that we will host the 2015 World Meeting of Families. It's fitting that this gathering, which celebrates the cornerstone of society, will take place in America's cradle of freedom. The Holy Father's choice is a gift to the local Church in Philadelphia and to the whole nation.

The family is founded on a deep and loving union between one man and one woman for mutual support and the nurturing of children. This meeting in Philadelphia will be a wonderful opportunity to highlight the family as the basic evangelizing unit of the Church. Every effort to promote marriage and the family serves not only the Church, but also the common good."

Since its inception by Blessed John Paul II in 1992, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen and defend the sacred bonds of marriage and family across the globe. It is customarily attended by the Holy Father, takes place every three years and is sponsored by the Holy See's Pontifical Council for the Family. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia eagerly anticipates hosting this significant event and continuing the good work done at the meeting this year in Milan.

# # #

Editor's Note: For background information on the World Meeting of Families please visit http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/travels/2012/index_milano_en.htm/.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747