World Meeting of Families can reinvigorate Phila. Archdiocese

Since Archbishop Charles Chaput announced a special delegation to Rome this coming week to meet with Pope Francis regarding the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, I have overheard conversations on the street, received e-mails from colleagues around the world, and even have had my own family ask the same question: "Do you think he will come?"

Certainly, that is the question. And, obviously, the entire delegation traveling to Rome will do all that we can to ensure that the answer is a resounding yes.

But there's another question I've frequently been asked that merits some personal reflection:

"Why was Philadelphia chosen as the host city for the World Meeting of Families?"

It's a great question, but I have no real answer. The archbishop has said the same thing.

But from the moment it was made known that Philadelphia would host the meeting, the archbishop's words about the event have resonated with me. He has spoken about it as an opportunity filled with grace. He has often remarked that the meeting "has the power to transform, in deeply positive ways, not just the spirit of Catholic life in our area, but our entire community."

I agree. The gathering will have that power, thanks especially to the extraordinary personal warmth of Pope Francis. His papacy is defined by mercy, a deep commitment to the poor, and a willingness to engage in tough conversations facing Catholics around the world. He is a transformational world figure, and yet he seems to relish the simplest moments of ministry - embracing the recovering drug addict, washing the feet of prisoners, and comforting the sick and suffering. What his actions clearly say is, "This is our church." That purity of mission is both refreshing and inspiring to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

The chance to welcome any pope to our city is a joyous experience. To have an opportunity to welcome this pope - with all of his humility, grace, and vision - would be a once-in-a-lifetime gift. If graced with his presence, the World Meeting of Families would be momentous for Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. It would put Philadelphia on a global stage, bringing hundreds of thousands, if not millions, from around the world. It would draw different faith traditions together to share in meaningful dialogue about the role of family as the cornerstone of our society. It would be an event unlike any other Philadelphia has hosted in size and scope. And though only six days in length, its long-term effect would be immense. It would make so many other major events "thinkable."

What can't be underestimated in all this excitement and planning is the power of this gathering, and the promise of Pope Francis' presence, for this archdiocese.

No one would dispute that this last decade has tested many Catholics' resolve. Nor would anyone deny that it's been filled with challenges, heartache, and, at times, anguish. But these challenges might be exactly why Philadelphia was chosen for the meeting next year - and why Francis' presence would mean so much. Isn't Philadelphia exactly the type of place the pope would seek out for ministry? Isn't this a local church that could flourish again through his healing presence?

Whatever the reason Philadelphia was chosen, I'm deeply grateful it was. As we ready ourselves to meet the Holy Father in Rome this week, we do so knowing that as wonderful as the meeting will be for our city and state, its real power may be in providing us all with a profound spiritual moment - a true catalyst for community-building in the most significant way.

That fact alone is enough reason to host the World Meeting of Families next year.