What Is Villanova University Doing To Prepare For Pope Francis?

Villanova University has announced an adjusted its class schedule for the weekend of Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia on Sept. 25-26, as well details about the use of campus parking lots for the World Meeting of Families (WMOF) and faculty members serving as panelists for the event.

Adjusted Class Schedule

Class scheduled to meet on campus on Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, the Villanova has asked faculty to either reschedule the class or switch to a digital classroom for the weekend.

All online classes will continue as scheduled.

Use of University Parking Facilities for WMOF

Villanova University has granted the WMOF permission to use its parking facilities from Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 27, to help accommodate those seeking to travel to Philadelphia via SEPTA’s Norristown High Speed Line, which will operate express service from Villanova Station. Significant congestion is expected in the area.

Villanova Faculty Serving as Panelists at the World Meeting of Families

• Daniel I. Mark, PhD (Assistant Professor, Political Science)
• Mary Hirschfeld, PhD (Assistant Professor, Economics and Theology)
• Anna Bonta Moreland, PhD (Associate Professor, Theology)

Volunteer Support

On Friday, Sept. 18, a group of volunteers from Villanovan will assist in assembling “pilgrim packs” at the Philadelphia Convention Center for the following week’s World Meeting of Families.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, members of the Villanova community will assist with guest relations and crowd support at the Festival of Families on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The university’s group of volunteers will provide volunteer support in a variety of roles along two city blocks.

Campus Viewing of Papal Mass

The University is planning a viewing of the Papal Mass in the Connelly Center for Villanova students and parishioners of St. Thomas of Villanova Church.