[NEWS] Pope Francis' upcoming visit sparks round of fundraising for Philadelphia's poor

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Advocates for the poor announced a fund-raising campaign Monday that is as pragmatic as it is spiritual - using Pope Francis' forthcoming visit as a focal point of giving.

Sister Mary Scullion, executive director of the Philadelphia anti-homelessness group Project HOME, stood outside the Central Library of the Free Library of Philadelphia, on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, to describe the formation of the Mercy and Justice Initiative charitable fund. The goal is to raise $1.5 million.

Scullion announced "the good news" at a spot on the Parkway where many homeless people gather.

"We are launching an initiative to take concrete action to end and prevent homelessness and hunger," Scullion told the about 100 people present. "In 97 days, Pope Francis will speak to as many as two million people here on the Parkway. He will speak out on poverty."