The Vatican released the much-anticipated official itinerary for Pope Francis’ journey to the United States, including his schedule for Philadelphia on September 26 and 27.

The World Meeting of Families (WMOF) announced that Pope Francis will take part in eight public events in the City of Brotherly Love during his visit, including a stop at Philadelphia’s Curran-Fromhold prison and meeting with bishops at St. Martin's Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Early Tuesday morning, Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre talked about the latest details on the newly release itinerary and said Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Independence Mall on Saturday Sept. 26, where he will be addressing the immigration issue and religious liberty.

“We are happy that Pope Francis is willing to address the immigration issue. As we know there are many people in our country and in our community that are immigrants, a lot of people who are undocumented. I am sure his words will give hope to our brothers in this situation,” Bishop McIntyre said.

The Bishop said he believes the Holy Father wants to address the issue of immigration because it is something that lies at the heart of the daily reality of so many people in our community.

“For those who are here hoping to remain here, make a life here with their family. Those whose situations aren’t settled who are undocumented. I am sure he wants to encourage them,” McIntyre said. “Also address the fact that there are things that they need to be fix with the immigration system here in the United States.”

Later that same day Pope Francis will appear at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with the Philadelphia Art Museum as the backdrop, to be part of the Festival of Families. “He will also appear with five families representing the five continents of the world, giving testimony on how they live out the vocation of marriage and the family, and he in turn will address them,” McIntyre said.

Mayor Nutter released a statement in response to the Pope’s schedule saying:

'From visiting with inmates and their families at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility to appearances at some of Philadelphia’s most important, recognizable landmarks like Independence Hall and the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Francis will touch the hearts and souls of millions when he visits the City of Philadelphia this September," Nutter said. "With the Holy Father’s itinerary now formalized, we will use this schedule to inform our planning, working closely with our partners at all levels of government, the World Meeting of Families and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia."

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (NEW YORK CITY, PHILADELPHIA)

• 8:40 a.m. Departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport

• 9:30 a.m. Arrival at Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia

• 10:30 a.m. Mass at Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

• 4:45 p.m. Visit to Independence Mall

• 7:30 p.m. Visit to the Festival of Families Benjamin Franklin Parkway

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 (PHILADELPHIA)

• 9:15 a.m. Meeting with bishops at St. Martin's Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

• 11 a.m. Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility

• 4 p.m. Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway

• 7 p.m. Visit with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families, Atlantic Aviation

• 8 p.m. Departure for Rome.

“Across the Commonwealth, we are preparing in anticipation for the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia. Welcoming members of all faiths, unified by their shared commitment to the importance of strengthening families, the World Meeting of Families and Papal Visit provides a distinctive opportunity for Pennsylvanians to gather with visitors from across the country and around globe in a moment that highlights our similarities – not our differences. This event will be inclusive and will highlight the values upon which our commonwealth was founded."  - Governor Tom Wolf