Philadelphia Families Asked To Host Visitors For Pope's Trip
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Residents of the Philadelphia area are being asked to show some brotherly love to those coming to see Pope Francis next year.
To help accommodate the expected crowds, officials hope more than 10,000 families will volunteer to host visitors in their spare bedrooms.
Francis plans to attend the Roman Catholic-sponsored World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September. Area hotel rooms are filling up fast, and event planners have even looked at hotels 90 miles away in Baltimore.
So far, more than 100 families have registered to welcome guests through the company Homestay, which is coordinating the effort.
Event organizers estimate up to 15,000 people will attend the conference, which focuses on strengthening family bonds.
More than 1.5 million pilgrims are expected for the pope's two public appearances.
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