Pope Francis is to make his first papal visit to the U.S. in fall 2015, the Vatican has announced.
The pontiff has confirmed he will attend next year's World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
Pope Francis: I will go to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families §RV http://t.co/EuzyIfVPob
Speaking at an inter-religious conference on family values in Rome, Pope Francis said: "I wish to confirm according to the wishes of the Lord, that in September of 2015, I will go to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families. Thank you for your prayers with which you accompany my service to the Church. Bless you from my heart."
The Philadelphia rally for families has been organized by Archbishop Charles Caput. Upon hearing the Pope's announcement, Chaput said: "I applauded the loudest," the Associated Press reported.
CNN reported that the Pope is to hold mass on Philadelphia's Benjamin Frankilin Parkway on Sept. 27, 2015.
The World Meetings of The Families was founded by Saint John Paul II, and have taken place every three years since the first event in Rome. Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia will see him become the fourth reigning pontiff to visit the U.S.