Wanting to deflect attention from the trial of a Cardinal on charges stemming from the sexual abuse of children, the Vatican has announced that it will be putting Pennsylvania in the center of the debate over same-sex marriage. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be hosting the Vatican’s 2015 World Meetings of Families.

The archdiocese was selected while Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput was attending this year’s meeting in Milan, Italy. The meeting is held every three years. Chaput took the opportunity to shove his opinion into the secular governance of the United States by stating “The family is founded on a deep and loving union between one man and one woman for mutual support and the nurturing of children. This meeting in Philadelphia will be a wonderful opportunity to highlight the family as the basic evangelizing unit of the Church. Every effort to promote marriage and the family serves not only the Church, but also the common good.”

The World Meeting is usually attended by the Pope. Chaput stated about his visit that “It’s fitting that this gathering, which celebrates the cornerstone of society, will take place in America’s cradle of freedom. The Holy Father’s choice is a gift to the local Church in Philadelphia and to the whole nation.”

Prior to the ascension of Pope Benedict, the Catholic Church was vehemently opposed to interference in local government decisions and showed trust in their congregants when it came to their teachings.