[Catholic Herald] During the papal visit to the US, Francis will visit Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families
When Pope Francis gives a speech at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 26 during his visit to the US, he will use the same lectern that President Abraham Lincoln used when he gave his Gettysburg Address
Robert Ciaruffoli, president of the World Meeting of Families, made the announcement at a news conference at the Union League of Philadelphia last week.
The lectern, which is privately owned, is on long-term loan to the Union League as part of its Abraham Lincoln Foundation exhibit. The league, a private club, was founded in 1862 specifically to support Lincoln’s policies.
“We are both honoured and grateful for the generosity of the Abraham Lincoln Foundation in offering to the Holy Father the opportunity to speak from the lectern from which Abraham Lincoln delivered probably the most important American speech,” Ciaruffoli said.
