The invitation to Pope Francis to come to Philadelphia was extended, in person, Wednesday morning by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and other Philly delegates, including Gov. Tom Corbett.
After a whirlwind trip to Rome and the Vatican, Nutter was back in Philly Friday and talking about his experience.
Nutter called the meeting a "productive" success during a speech in City Hall Friday afternoon.
Earlier he also spoke glowing of his meeting with the pontiff.
"We were very well received," Nutter said. "He was very gracious. He asked me to pray for him. I said 'yes.' I asked him to pray from me."
Nutter and other leaders also took their meeting as a chance to give Pope Francis a few gifts from the City of Brotherly Love.
"We gave his Holiness a St. Joe's Prep Jersey," said Nutter. "There are jerseys from all five major sports teams, PHL pins, a book about Philadelphia's history and letters from all the juniors at St. Joe's Prep who will be seniors next year, asking the pope to come."
Whether Pope Francis will make his way to Philadelphia for next year's World Meeting of Families remains to be seen. But, should he choose to attend, at least he'll have plenty of Philly gear to wear.
Photo Credit: Karen Araiza