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Ward Fitzgerald '81 Receives Papal Knighthood

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has announced that Pope Francis has bestowed Papal Honors upon 45 individuals for their dedication and exceptional service to the World Meeting of Families Philadelphia 2015 and the pastoral visit of the Holy Father to Philadelphia.

Among them are Mrs. Kathy Fitzgerald and Mr. Ward Fitzgerald '81 who were named Dame/Knight Grand Cross in the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, which is one of the highest honors that the Pope can bestow. Recipients were husband and wife, as is the case with most of the other Dames and Knights of Saint Gregory, especially fitting because they are bestowed for service to the World Meeting Families.

The honors will be formally presented by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput on Thursday, November 17 at a 6:30 pm ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul immediately following the Liturgy of the Word.

"Together they ensured that the World Meeting of Families would be the sign of hope God intended and that Pope Francis would see the very best of Philadelphia. The experience clearly moved the Holy Father as it did all of us. The work of those he's chosen to recognize and the generous efforts of thousands of others made it all possible. It is a privilege for me to present these Papal Honors on his behalf," Archbishop Chaput said in a statement.