Following Vatican Meeting, Governor Corbett Attends Signing Ceremony for Contract Confirming 2015 World Meeting of Families to be Held in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following a meeting with Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, Governor Tom Corbett attended a ceremonial signing of the contract confirming the 2015 World Meeting of Families will be held in Philadelphia, September 22-27, 2015. The contract is between the Vatican Office of the Pontifical Council of the Family and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

At the meeting in Rome, Gov. Corbett expressed Pennsylvania's readiness and enthusiasm for hosting the upcoming World Meeting of Families. 

"Pennsylvania's history, natural beauty and the vibrant atmosphere of Philadelphia make Pennsylvania the perfect setting for the 2015 World Meeting of Families," Corbett said before the Pontifical Council. "The commonwealth proudly invites participants from around the world to experience Pennsylvania's cultural richness and warm hospitality. The commonwealth will work to ensure an enjoyable visit for all attendees." 

Gov. Corbett serves with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter as honorary co-chairs of the 2015 World Meeting of Families. More than one million participants are expected, with estimates of economic impact in the range of $100 million.

In addition to beginning to plan for the World Meeting of Families event, Gov. Corbett expressed optimism that Pope Francis will make his first trip to North America to attend the meeting. 

"It is our deep hope that the World Meeting of Families will be enriched and made more vital by the presence of the Holy Father whose humility, compassion and simple eloquence have shown a light of hope around the world."

On the trip to the Vatican, Gov. Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett are accompanying Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and several members of the business and civic community who will serve as public ambassadors for the World Meeting of Families. 

Since its inception by Pope John Paul II in 1992, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe. This event takes place every three years and is sponsored by the Holy See's Pontifical Council for the Family. Each World Meeting of Families has a theme, which aims to emphasize the good news of the family and highlight its intrinsic value to the good of society. Prior World Meeting of Families have taken place in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009); Milan (2012); and now, Philadelphia (2015). 

For more information regarding the World Meeting of Families please visit www.WorldMeeting2015.org. 

Media contact:  Lynn Lawson, Governor's Office, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor