On the plane from Korea back to Rome, Pope Francis said he wants to go to the United States in 2015 for the planned Catholic family meeting. He also said he would like to visit Washington to address Congress, the United Nations in New York and perhaps Mexico as well. Though the Vatican will not confirm it yet, it appears that plans are being laid for it to happen. With three key invitations in the U.S., the pope isn’t likely to miss the opportunity to take the trip, conditions permitting.
“Next year I’d like to go to Philadelphia for the family meeting,” he said. “I was invited by the president of the United States, by the American parliament (or Congress) and the secretary-general of the United Nations, so maybe the three cities together.”
Pope Francis was invited by President Obama to visit the United States, when the President had an audience with him in Rome in March. He was invited by John Boehner, the Jesuit-trained speaker of the House of Representatives to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress. He was also invited by the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon, to address the United Nations.
Two of the U.S. cities represent the power centers of U.S. politics and global politics, while the third, Philadelphia, will host the Catholic family meeting, which is closely linked to Sunday promotion and observance. Marriage and Sabbath were linked at creation. Therefore, in order to undermine the Sabbath, the Catholic Church must link marriage and family life to Sunday observance. The meeting in Philadelphia, Washington and New York will certainly strengthen papal influence in all three arenas.
“… and all the world wondered after the beast.” Revelation 13:3
“The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.” Great Controversy, page 588
Source References
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Pope Francis confirms visit to United States; Philadelphia stop likely [1]
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Obama, Pope Francis meet for first time [2]
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John Boehner Sent A Letter To Pope Francis Inviting Him To Speak To Congress [3]
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UN counts on Catholic Church to help promote dignity for all, Ban tells Pope Francis [4]
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Secretary-General’s remarks at audience with His Holiness Pope Francis [5]