GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay says that when Pope Francis visits the United States later this year, the pontiff will not make a stop in Titletown.
In a statement Wednesday, Bishop David Ricken said, “I would like to thank all those involved with the ‘Pope to Green Bay’ initiative,” said Bishop Ricken. “It was a great effort on the part of many. And while we will not see the Holy Father on this trip, with Our Lady of Good Help Shrine in Champion, it certainly does not eliminate the possibility of a visit to our area in the future.”
Last year, Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt formally invited Pope Francis to visit the Brown County shrine. A website was also started, including an online petition, in the hopes of luring the pontiff to Northeast Wisconsin.
According to the release, Pope Francis plans to canonize the 18th-century missionary Junipero Serra during his Washington D.C. stop, likely at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Serra is recognized for his role in establishing nine missions in California to convert American Indians.
Pope Francis is also expected to visit the White House and address Congress. During a stop in New York, he will speak at the United Nations, and conclude his trip at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
