Black Catholics plan revival, heritage Mass for pope’s visit

Black Catholics are hoping to make the most of Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia in September.

Deacon Bill Bradley tells KYW-TV that the city’s black community is holding a two-day revival to prepare for the visit and has plans for an African heritage Mass, and another based on the culture of Ghana.

Bradley is director of the Office of Black Catholics for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

He says the special Masses and other events are “to celebrate the folks who are here from the continent of Africa and for those who are here from the United States.”

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Black parishes also plan to hold “watch parties” so older people or those with children who might not be able to attend papal events in person can watch them together on TV.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal