The mayors of Rome, New Orleans and Puebla, Mexico are headed to Philadelphia for an event tied to Pope Francis' visit that'll focus on the role of local governments in strengthening and sustaining families.
Organizers said Tuesday the International Mayors Forum will be a 90-minute panel discussion at La Salle University's Tom Gola Arena. The Sept. 23 event is part of the World Meeting of Families, the triennial Catholic conference that's spurring Francis' first-ever U.S. trip.
He'll be in Philadelphia Sept. 26-27.
Rome's Ignazio Marino and New Orleans' Mitch Landrieu will join Puebla, Mexico's José Antonio Gali Fayad and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter on the panel. Other mayors are expected to be added.
Marino is a big fan of Philly. He spent time here as a doctor before heading back to Italy to take on a politcal career.
Organizers expect about 1,700 guests for the invitation-only event, including clergy, educators and government officials.
