Philadelphia's Archbishop Says He Knew of Pope Francis' Planned Visit Early On
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia archbishop Charles Chaput conceded today that he was in on the "big secret" that Pope Francis had told Pennsylvania's governor that he wanted to come to Philadelphia in 2015 for the World Meeting of Families.
Archbishop Chaput is just back from meetings at the Vatican, where the pope confirmed a week ago he will be visiting Philadelphia at the end of next September.
Chaput says he was standing next to Gov. Tom Corbett last spring when a delegation met with the pope on St. Peter's Square, urging him to come to Philadelphia. And, says Chaput, the pope whispered in the governor's ear that he intended to come.
"It was difficult for the governor not to tell everybody when he heard that," Chaput said today. "But I think he kept the secret pretty well until the announcement. Actually, it wasn't a secret. I mean, the pope has said to many people that he hoped to come. But it's quite different to say 'I hope to come' than 'I'm going to be there.' "
Chaput says he anticipates the pope also may visit Washington, DC and New York, but says the Vatican hasn't confirmed those invitations.
