Fundraising Efforts Escalate Ahead Of Pope's Visit To Philadelphia
So far, corporate and community fundraising has netted more than $30 million of the $45 million goal.
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So far, corporate and community fundraising has netted more than $30 million of the $45 million goal.
The Roman Catholic Allentown Diocese, whose territory goes all the way up to the Chester, Montgomery and Bucks County lines, is holding events Sunday at four churches throughout the region to generate participation in the pope's visit and world meeting.
PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards says it's already been decided that construction work on the bridges over I-676 in Center City will stop during the pope's visit - but during House budget hearings, she told members other construction projects in the region could be affected in a similar way.
"Rock Star Status." That's not the way Vatican analysts usually describe a Pope. But after two years of a Pope Francis papacy, "Rock Star" seems to be part of his early legacy.
Dozens of pages of listings have already been posted to the web site known as "Craig's List."
Pope Francis' late September visit to Philadelphia is prompting scheduling changes, including moving this year's Fall Restaurant week to a different season.
Today the Pope marks the second anniversary of his election as leader of the world's of more than one-billion Roman Catholics.
The head of the World Meeting of Families Philadelphia organization says the federal government has declared the visit by Pope Francis and activities leading up to his arrival a "national security special event."
When Pope Francis comes to Philadelphia this September for the World Meeting of Families a high-level member of his advance team says a visit to the symbol of the nation's liberty will be on his agenda.
Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family, spent Monday in Philadelphia and brought his sweet tooth.
Pat Ciarrocchi talks with Bishop David O'Connell about his rehabilitation and getting ready to walk next to Pope Francis in Philadelphia.
Hotels in Bucks County are nearly 90 percent booked for that final weekend in September.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia says Pope Francis has been invited to take part in a September 27 program at the Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations at St. Joseph's University.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia says there is an urgent need for the public's help and it's asking for Catholics and the generous to rent a room or property at a reasonable fee to visitors of the World Meeting of Families.
In his weekly column, Archbishop Chaput asked Catholics and other residents across the archdiocese to consider opening their homes and offer lodging to those visiting Philadelphia during the World Meeting of Families in September.
Nearly two million people are expected to swarm Philadelphia for the Pope's visit in September. Many will want to share the events from their phones in real-time. But will cell networks be able to handle all that traffic?
With about seven months to go before Pope Francis arrives in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, the Archdiocese confirmed its fundraising is on track to its $45 Million goal.
"This is great news for us. We are on a roll," says Ed Grose, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association.
"The pope's visit is going to bring over a million people to Philadelphia, and the Democratic National Convention will bring lots of people. These are two great things for Pennsylvania," the governor said.
House Speaker John Boehner made the announcement and expressed gratitude that the Pope accepted his invitation.
It now appears that Philadelphia will be the final stop in a three-city US that will take the pope first to Washington, DC and New York City.
Tourism and hospitality officials said the impact of Francis' appearance is unlike anything they've experienced in recent memory.
The National Shrine of St. John Neumann in North Philadelphia is praying for a short visit from Pope Francis during his visit to the city for September's World Meeting of Families.
Finally, the official word of the Pope's visit came from the Vatican on November 17 and Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput was there.
Organizers of the World Meeting of Families are actively working with local tourism groups to come up with a "nightlife" for the thousands who will be visiting Philadelphia.
A Philadelphia Flyers fan gifted Pope Leo XIV a jersey, and now the team is knocking on the door of the NHL playoffs.
Police are seeking 4 suspects after a 20-year-old woman was gunned down outside a pizza shop near 60th and Market streets.
Philadelphia is officially getting a WNBA team after the WNBA and NBA board of governors approved the expansion team Thursday.
Philadelphia native Sam Salz walked on at Texas A&M without ever playing organized football. Now he's trying to make the NFL.
Police are looking for three gunmen seen on video firing during a large gathering in North Philadelphia in late March 2026.
The two construction workers who were missing after a parking garage in Grays Ferry partially collapsed are presumed dead, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said Thursday night.
A judge ruled no changes can be made to exhibits about slavery at the President's House in Philadelphia during an ongoing legal fight.
A Philadelphia Flyers fan gifted Pope Leo XIV a jersey, and now the team is knocking on the door of the NHL playoffs.
Police are seeking 4 suspects after a 20-year-old woman was gunned down outside a pizza shop near 60th and Market streets.
Philadelphia is officially getting a WNBA team after the WNBA and NBA board of governors approved the expansion team Thursday.
Police are seeking 4 suspects after a 20-year-old woman was gunned down outside a pizza shop near 60th and Market streets.
Philadelphia native Sam Salz walked on at Texas A&M without ever playing organized football. Now he's trying to make the NFL.
Police are looking for three gunmen seen on video firing during a large gathering in North Philadelphia in late March 2026.
Neve O'Byrne, a Garnet Valley High School sophomore and two-time state championship wrestler, is preparing to compete at the U-17 World Team Trials.
A judge ruled no changes can be made to exhibits about slavery at the President's House in Philadelphia during an ongoing legal fight.
Kishan Patel, who was shot by a former NYPD officer in 2024, has returned home after more than a year of rehab.
A suspect was linked to the murders of 24-year-old Marebeth Welsh in 1993 and 16-year-old Jennifer Persia in 1994, prosecutors said.
Leaders in New Jersey are getting ready to welcome visitors for a series of events for America's 250th anniversary.
Officials say Jason Howe, who was a teacher at Sterling High School, was arrested after having a sexual relationship with a student.
A suspended New Jersey police sergeant was indicted on charges alleging he tampered with and stole drugs from the Hammonton Police Department's evidence room.
A 17-year-old girl was taken to the hospital after she was shot on North Walnut Street in Wilmington, police said.
A meteor spotted across multiple states Tuesday afternoon traveled more than 100 miles before disintegrating, NASA said.
An Acme Markets store in Middletown, Delaware, sold the lottery ticket that won the $230.8 million Powerball jackpot.
Wawa is recalling four popular 16-ounce drinks sold at a number of stores in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia.
Police are investigating what they believe to be human remains, including a skull, found in a wooded area in Wilmington this weekend.
An exhibit called Revolutionary Botany at the Mütter Museum explores the origins of the American pharmacy and Philly's role.
The Be Still Foundation is hosting a nationwide pickleball tournament during National Parkinson's Awareness Month.
Wawa is recalling four popular 16-ounce drinks sold at a number of stores in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia.
Officials said access is an issue for many in Burlington County, home to almost half a million residents.
Ariana Ugarte is among about 500 children who have had kidney transplants at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.
Gas prices are climbing, putting a strain on the transportation industry and its workers in the Philadelphia area.
FIFA officials have canceled hundreds of hotel rooms in Philadelphia previously booked for this summer.
The Franklin Mall in Northeast Philadelphia is set to reopen Friday after being because of a fire, a spokesperson said.
The Franklin Mall in Northeast Philadelphia is closed until further notice following a fire, a mall security official said.
Move over, Wawa, "there's a new player in town." Customers shed light on Pennsylvania's heated rivalry as Sheetz opened its first store in Montgomery County.
SEPTA said a person was struck at the Girard Avenue B line station on Wednesday morning, leading to service disruptions.
Residents along Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia say speeding cars in the area have been a consistent problem.
Interstate 78 eastbound is back open on Saturday after a plane made an emergency landing.
All TSA security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport have reopened after weeks of staffing shortages due to a partial government shutdown.
SEPTA said it has bought 24 used Bombardier Comets railcars from the Montreal public transportation system, Exo.
A Philadelphia Flyers fan gifted Pope Leo XIV a jersey, and now the team is knocking on the door of the NHL playoffs.
Philadelphia is officially getting a WNBA team after the WNBA and NBA board of governors approved the expansion team Thursday.
Philadelphia native Sam Salz walked on at Texas A&M without ever playing organized football. Now he's trying to make the NFL.
Neve O'Byrne, a Garnet Valley High School sophomore and two-time state championship wrestler, is preparing to compete at the U-17 World Team Trials.
Kevin Durant scored 29 points and the Rockets extended their winning streak to eight games with a 113-102 win Thursday night over the 76ers, who were missing Joel Embiid after he had an appendectomy.
Artists like Lady A, Nelly, The Avett Brothers and Third Eye Blind will headline a free concert series throughout Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia's Southeast Asian Market is back for 2026, opening April 4 and returning nearly every weekend through the end of October.
In Center City, Chris' Jazz Cafe draws crowds each Tuesday through Saturday for live performances. But behind the scenes, another kind of performance unfolds each night.
Philadelphia's renowned restaurant scene has scored seven finalists for the 2026 James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago.
A Las Vegas performer has sued Taylor Swift over the title of her hit album "The Life of a Showgirl," alleging it violates the performer's trademark.
Ukee Washington reports.
Natasha Brown reports.
Natasha Brown reports.
Natasha Brown reports.
Ukee Washington reports.
Middle school students in Philadelphia got the opportunity to do hands-on learning during the school district's five-day career and technical camp.
With her Girl Talk mentoring program, one Philadelphia teen turned her camp days into a safe space to discuss social issues young girls face every day.
Recent high school graduate Sylvain Farrell says his temporary position at a local clinic is the pathway to a full-time career.
A Philadelphia student won an award from NFL Films for his documentary on bringing back sports teams at his Kensington school.
A group of East Norriton eighth graders took what started as an Earth Day project and made a whole initiative.
A Philadelphia Flyers fan gifted Pope Leo XIV a jersey, and now the team is knocking on the door of the NHL playoffs.
Philadelphia police are searching for multiple shooters seen on surveillance video firing in a large group on 22nd Street near Norris Street on March 22, 2026.
It's not too late to get your tax documents together and get help to file your return, if you need it — but waiting any longer to file your taxes could cost you. Josh Sidorowicz is In Your Corner with tips from the experts.
Garnet Valley High School sophomore Neve O'Byrne, winner of two state girls wrestling titles, is competing at the World Team Trials this weekend. Jan Carabeo speaks with the wrestler nicknamed "The Hellcat" about her goal to make a childhood dream come true.
A driver was injured and taken to a hospital after a crash at Henry Avenue and Keely Street in Roxborough. The car was flipped over on someone's front lawn.