Mayor Benjamin to participate in Pope Francis’ historic visit

Mayor will help lead International Mayors Forum and attend Papal Mass

COLUMBIA, SC – Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin is traveling to Philadelphia, PA today where this afternoon he will serve as a panelist at the 2015 International Mayors Forum co-sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers and La Salle University.

Part of the World Meeting of Families Congress which culminates in Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphiaon Saturday and Sunday, the International Mayors Forum will bring together mayors representing diverse cities around the world to discuss the ways in which government at the local level can help strengthen and sustain families through public policy and advocacy.

Mayor Benjamin, who also serves as a Trustee with the United States Conference of Mayors and President of the African American Mayors Association, will be one of only four mayors serving as a panelist for today’s discussion. Other Mayors include Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

The 2015 International Mayors Forum was organized following a special request made by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for the Family, a co-sponsor of the 2015 World Meeting of Families, in an effort to expand the global conversation about family.

Following today’s forum, Mayor Benjamin, along with his fellow panelists, has been invited to and will attend Saturday’s Papal Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

“This is a true honor and I am deeply humbled to have this opportunity not only to represent Columbia in welcoming Pope Francis on this historic visit to our nation,” said Mayor Benjamin, “but to help lead this important discussion about the challenges families are facing here in the United States and across the world.”

Visit www.worldmeeting2015.org for more information about the World Meeting of Families Congress.