Pope Francis is coming to the United States.
Francis confirmed Monday that he will travel to the U.S. next year to participate in a rally for families in Philadelphia. He confirmed his presence at the World Meeting of Families during a speech to an interreligious conference on traditional family values at the Vatican.
Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, who is organizing the meeting, was on hand for the announcement and welcomed the news. Chaput told The Associated Press, "I applauded the loudest" when Francis made the announcement.
Officials have said that the meeting, which focuses on strengthening family bonds, could attract more than 1 million people.
During his first visit to the U.S. as pope, Francis is expected to address Congress and also deliver a speech to the United Nations to mark its 70th anniversary.
