Pope Francis (PHOTO: Vatican)
A prominent leader in the campaign to encourage Pope Francis to visit Green Bay remains optimistic a visit will happen next year.
The pontiff confirmed Monday that he will visit Philadelphia next September. But no other stops in the U.S. have been set. Mayor Jim Schmitt says, “why not Green Bay?” He says, “Pope Francis really would like to get to, I believe, the real people, the salt of the earth people, which we are here in Green Bay.”
Schmitt is using the nearby our Lady of Good Help as a selling point. It’s the only Marian apparition site approved by the Catholic Church in the United States. And how about Mass before thousands at Lambeau Field?
“Green Bay Packers said they will do anything they can to make this happen,” Schmitt says, “I mean, what a commitment.”
Earlier this year, an effort was launched to bring the pope to Green Bay. An online petition has received more than 4,000 signatures.
(Robert Kennedy, WTAQ)