Pope Francis waves as he arrives to lead his weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.
Pope Francis waves as he arrives to lead his weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican November 12, 2014. Reuters/Tony Gentile

Pope Francis has confirmed his visit to the U.S. next year. It will reportedly be his first visit to the country since he was chosen as the head of the Catholic church in March 2013.

NBC Philadelphia reports that Pope Francis has confirmed his plans for a U.S. visit in September 2015. The Pontiff announced his decision during a gathering of religious leaders in Rome at the Humanum Colloquium. "I wish to confirm according to the wishes of the Lord, that in September of 2015, I will go to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families," he said.

As per BBC, the "World Meeting of Families" takes place every three years and is normally sponsored by the Roman Catholic Church. NBC Philadelphia describes the event as a gathering of leaders and scholars, including Chaput, and various religions where they celebrate families, love and life.

Pope Francis will reportedly have his U.S. visit from Sept. 25-27, 2015. However, these dates are yet to be finalised, with the Pope expected to be in Philadelphia in those three days. According to NBC Philadelphia, the Pope is expected to give a public mass where an estimated of two million people may attend. The said mass will take place on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Ben Franklin Parkway. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said the Pope's mass "will be the largest event in the city's modern history."

Archbishop Charles Chaput, leader of Philadelphia's Archdiocese, also expressed his happiness over the Pope's U.S. visit. In a prepared statement, he said, "We look forward to Pope Francis' arrival in Philadelphia next September and we will welcome him joyfully with open arms and prayerful hearts."

According to BBC, Pope Francis' U.S. visit was encouraged by invitations from President Barack Obama, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Congress, as well as letters from more than 10,000 school children in Philadelphia. Aside from his public mass in Philadelphia, Pope Francis will reportedly also be at the intercultural Festival of Families on Sept. 26, 2015. He is expected to arrive in the U.S. on Sept. 25, 2015. Security wise, state police, the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI as well as Vatican police, Swiss Guard and Italian government police are all working together to ensure the Pope's safety during his visit.