Archbishop Chaput Discusses Upcoming Papal Visit
By Pat Ciarrocchi
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The September visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia is taking shape.
The planning process is becoming more intense by the day, especially for Philadelphia's Archbishop Charles Chaput.
CBS 3's Pat Ciarrocchi sat down with him for an Eyewitness News one on one interview.
(Ciarrocchi:) "How does it feel for you to be on the precipice of history?"
"Overwhelming. It really is it's an incredible task putting it all together. And it causes me a mixture of joy and anxiety," said Archbishop Charles Chaput.
One hundred sixty-seven days from now Philadelphia will be at the center of the Pope Francis universe and Archbishop Charles Chaput will be at his side.
"I think we're going to be prepared for the Holy Father himself, but I'm worried about the crowd, that the city can really manage such a huge infusion of people," said Archbishop Chaput.
As many as two million people when Pope Francis climbs the steps of the Art Museum to say mass on Sunday, September 27th.
"We don't have the final schedule, it looks like he's going to be celebrating Mass in the Cathedral, as well as on the Parkway and that celebration if it happens would be for the people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He's shown an interest in visiting a prison," said Archbishop Chaput.
The papal visit caps off the Vatican sponsored World Meeting of Families drawing some 15,000 delegates from around the world.
But it's this rock star pope who has shunned the trappings of the papacy and speaks of serving the poor that Archbishop Charles Chaput hopes can lift the Philadelphia church.
(Ciarrocchi:) "What do you think the Philadelphia church needs from the Holy Father?"
"I think a renewed confidence and enthusiasm and a recommitment to service," said Archbishop Chaput.
"I think the Pope's presence will remind us that the church is more than our local parish."
(Ciarrocchi:) "Do you know what to say when you meet a Pope for the first time?"
"It's hard to know what to say. Even when you prepare something those words disappear and something else comes out or nothing at all."
The 70-year-old Archbishop Chaput met his first pope, Pope John Paul II, when he was 38.
