Camping in the Parks: Philadelphia trying to accommodate all guests for Pope Francis' September visit

Philadelphia attempts to make room for all visitors.

For the World Meeting of Families, Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Philadelphia. The event has sparked a wide realm of excitement full of people driving to see the Pope. All hotel rooms in the city are reportedly already booked for his visit. There has been an ongoing discussion among local administrators and organizers to temporarily lift the prohibition on camping in the public parks. There is still no concrete decision, despite some rumors.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - In Philadelphia, it is prohibited to camp, "erecting a tent, shelter or campsite" in city parks, but for the visit, officials are thinking of allowing week off from the prohibition.

"They are very interested in setting up organized camping locations. What we've been talking about are organized sites with the supporting facilities that people need to camp," said the First Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Facilities, Mark Focht.

However, he did not give any elaboration on the sites they are considering, but said the Rittenhouse Square is not one of them.

Mark McDonald, a spokesperson for the City Hall, said they are still "examining all contingencies" and there is still no decision made.

Millions of people are expected to crowd in the city as Pope Francis attends the World Meeting of Families on September 22-27, his first visit to the United States as the religious leader.

Philadelphia Magazine asked the Secret Service if they had issues on the possible camp sites in the city parks.

"No, that decision will be solely left up to the city. The only way I could see us being involved is if they would be opening up camping inside the secure perimeter. We'd need to make sure we had the manpower to make sure the camping area was clean before the pope arrives," said spokesperson Robert Hoback.

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