Pope Francis greets Philadelphians, counts "three months" until he visits

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis greeted Mayor Nutter on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday with three fingers raised. "Three months," he said.

In three months, the pope visits Philadelphia and greets what organizers say could be 1.5 million people in the biggest event the city has ever hosted.

The World Meeting of Families from Sept. 22 to 25 and the papal visit that weekend are projected to give a huge boost to the city's tourism industry and generate a half-billion dollars for city businesses.

After an hour of prayers and readings on a balmy day of scattered rain, Nutter, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, and World Meeting organizers met the pope on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica. The Philadelphia delegation sat at the very front of the square during the papal audience, looking up the steps to the altar, less than 20 yards away.

"It continues to be, at least for me, somewhat of a surreal experience," Nutter said after the public audience. "To have him come over to our delegation - he was very clear he knew who he was coming to, and he was genuinely excited to see us."

In keeping with his theme of families, Francis spoke Wednesday morning about the importance of love and communication in a relationship.

"Instead of expressing love for our spouse or children, we can sometimes diminish or demean that love. Hiding those hurts only deepens such wounds, leading to anger and friction," he said.

He emphasized the "vital responsibility to maintain and protect the bond of marriage," but also called on people to embrace those who follow a different path.

"For those who enter so-called irregular situations, we must reflect on how best to help and accompany them in their lives. Let us ask the Lord for a strong faith to see with his eyes the reality of family life and for a deep love to approach all families with his merciful heart."

Some members of the delegation clutched rosaries and other mementos during their brief one-on-one papal greeting. Many were moved to tears by the experience.

Gerry Cuddy, president and CEO of Beneficial Bank, brought along a rosary to hold for the pope to bless, as did his two sons.

"It hits you. I got emotional," Cuddy said, "and I don't cry at anything."

Parishioners from St. Denis in Havertown were also seated near the altar. Alyson and Alena McGonigle, sisters from Chester Springs, were seated nearby, with their family.

Alena, 20, is a junior at the University of Richmond, studying abroad this summer in Seville, Spain. Her family met her in Spain before traveling to Rome. Nutter went over to introduce himself before things started.

"It's amazing for Philadelphia," Alena McGonigle said.

Chris Gheysens, CEO of Wawa Inc. and a delegate, brought daughter Danielle, 15, a rising junior at Bishop Eustace Prep in Pennsauken. She said Francis appeals to her generation.

"I haven't known a pope who's been this likable. Kids my age actually know him," she said.

Gheysens attributed some of the charm to Francis' humility. "I think he's connected in a certain way, and maybe jettisoned some of the pomp and circumstance. I think it's refreshing in today's society - I think it was needed for the Catholic Church, too," he said.

The moments before the pope's arrival were some of the most exciting, with the swelling crowd chanting for him, waving arms and flags within the white columns of St. Peter's Square.

"You feel the electricity when you know the popemobile's coming but you can't see it yet," said Dan Hilferty, president of Independence Blue Cross. "And the crowd begins to raise the noise . . . well over 100,000 people in the square just aching to see this very charismatic individual."

Nutter's second trip to Rome is as much about planning as it is promoting the World Meeting and the papal visit. The delegation later held a news conference-luncheon to pitch Philadelphia as a global destination to the international press. More than 7,000 national and international journalists are expected to cover the event in Philadelphia.

The luncheon, held at Villa Malta on a hill overlooking the Tiber River, drew about three dozen media members, mostly Rome-based. On the balcony and in the ornate hallways winding through the castle, reporters interviewed some of the Philadelphia delegates. Others admitted - quietly - they were a bit confused by the purpose of the gathering and had mostly come for the lunch - ravioli in marinara sauce, salmon, and veal.

The event included speeches and a promo video for Philadelphia with images of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, City Hall, the sports arenas, and other quintessential Philadelphia spots.

Each attendee received a miniature LOVE statue.

Ken Hackett, ambassador to the Holy See, told the delegates how important they are in the eyes of the pope and spoke of the impression they had made by coming to Rome.

"I haven't had the mayor of Havana here, nor have I had any delegation from New York or Washington," he said of the pope's other September destinations. "So you are it, and it's going to be great."

The afternoon was a bit like a classy pep rally for all things Philly.

"We're the underdog; we are a humble people. We need to be more braggadocious about how great our city is," said Hilferty, who is also the finance and fund-raising chair for both the World Meeting of Families and the Democratic National Convention in 2016.

Nutter noted some similarities between the cities - narrow streets, frenetic drivers, lots of history - though he stopped himself there.

"There's historical cities and then there's historical cities, and Rome is one of the great historical cities," he said.

Organizers say the papal itinerary for the 48 hours he is in Philadelphia will be released by the end of the month to give visitors and residents time to plan.

"We will do this event exceedingly well," Nutter said. "And we will leave behind a legacy."

215-854-5506@juliaterruso