Pope Benedict XVI's shocking announcement that he'll step down from the papacy on February 28-- the first such resignation in nearly 600 years-- apparently won't affect a planned papal visit to Philadelphia in 2015.
"It's on!" says Philadelphia-based Catholic blogger Rocco Palmo, founder of Whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com, of the summer '15 trip.
FOX 29's Bruce Gordon spoke to Palmo in the St. Martin of Tours chapel at the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, where the new pope-- who'll be elected in Rome next month-- will likely stay during what is expected to be a several day visit in the summer of ‘15.
A plaque at the chapel entrance honors John Paul II's visit here during the last Papal trip to Philadelphia, in October, 1979.
John Paul's visit drew huge crowds and generated big excitement.
Palmo says this trip may create an even bigger buzz.
"In the city, it's going to be electric."
The 2015 trip will coincide with Philadelphia's hosting of the World Meeting of Families, last staged in Milan, Italy in 2012.
It's expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors from all corners of the globe.
"You're going to have people coming from Latin America, from Asia" and the rest of the world, said Palmo. "And one thing that connects that World Meeting of Families and the conclave, is the reminder that the church is a family."
That family has been under attack.
Sexual abuse scandals and declining attendance have put the American Catholic church on its heels in recent years. Palmo says Benedict made it a point to put Philly on his 2015 calendar to send a message to the faithful.
"The Pope's job- as given to him by Jesus and the gospels- is, 'confirm your brothers in their faith,'" said Palmo. "And that's the reason Benedict wanted to come here after the last couple of years- after all the difficulties, to basically say, 'look, you're not alone. And I'm not going to leave you hanging.'"
Benedict's shocking resignation will mean a new face, but the same 'power of the papacy' to bolster the spirits of a flock in need of a morale boost.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:07 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:07:39 GMT
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Today is National Dine Out Day! Over 2,000 restaurants are participating and locally, the funds raise will go to support Hurricane Sandy victims and relief efforts. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
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Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:47 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:47:57 GMT
Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old. This morning,
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An admitted father and son pimp team has been acquitted of sex trafficking. A judge delivered the verdict Wednesday at the trial of George Vincent Sr. and his son, George Vincent Jr.
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Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:38 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:38:47 GMT
Last year, Fox 29's Sheinelle Jones gave birth to beautiful twins. As a result of carrying those sweet babies, she developed a ventral hernia.After much thought, research and interviewing, Sheinelle decided
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The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and out Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
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AP PHOTO
Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
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In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
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An NFL player has reportedly been questioned as part of a murder investigation. Police say he's not a suspect, but they think he could shed some light on the crime.
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There will be a special investigative committee hearing Wednesday morning at City Hall regarding the deadly building collapse earlier this month in Center City.
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Pope Benedict XVI says he will step down from the papacy on February 28.
