Pope confirms US trip next year at Vatican family meeting

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis confirmed Monday that he will travel to the U.S. next year to participate in a rally for families in Philadelphia.

Francis had said he hoped to make the September meeting. But he confirmed his presence at the World Meeting of Families during a speech to an interreligious conference on traditional family values at the Vatican.

“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,” he told the crowd, which erupted in applause.

Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, who is organizing the meeting, welcomed the news. “I applauded the loudest” when Francis made the announcement, Chaput told The Associated Press.

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.