Pope Visit Drives Radnor Schools To Cancel Events For Papal Weekend

In anticipation of Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia next month, the Radnor Township School District has announced there will be no school activities at district buildings following the end of classes on Friday, Sept. 25, as well as all day during the weekend of Sept. 26-27.

The pope is expected to arrive in Philadelphia on Sept. 26, along with approximately 1.5 million pilgrims and tourists.

“Due to the anticipated volume of traffic and other factors that may impact commutes to and from school for students and staff, there is also the possibility of an early dismissal on Friday, September 25 and a late opening on Monday, September 29, similar to how we operate during significant weather events,” read a statement from Radnor Superintendent Michael Kelly. “However, there does not seem to be a need to close school at this time.

“Please note that our schools are already closed on Wednesday, September 23 in recognition of Yom Kippur.”

Kelly stated that district staff will work with organizers of affected school events to reschedule them for a later date.