Hail Mary effort fails to bring pope to Green Bay

The effort to bring Pope Francis to Green Bay this year will have to remain a prayer unanswered.

Catholic church leaders said Wednesday the pontiff will not include Titletown in his historic U.S. visit in September.

Green Bay Catholic Bishop David Ricken made the announcement with a word of gratitude to those behind an organized campaign to bring the pope here.

"I would like to thank all those involved," Ricken said. "It was a great effort on the part of many."

Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt kicked off the effort last year, before Pope Francis officially confirmed he would visit the United States in September. His itinerary includes Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C.

Schmitt had hoped the pontiff would consider visiting Green Bay to see the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help and possibly hold a Mass at Lambeau Field.

The mayor said Wednesday he will continue trying to get the pope to visit Titletown another time. He said there is no reason logistically or otherwise such an event could not happen.

"Just to be on the radar is great for Green Bay," Schmitt said. "The energy was great for this."

An online petition drive organized by the mayor at popetogreenbay.com drew more than 4,000 signatures.

Schmitt said he would maintain the website and look for a chance to invite the pope again.

In his announcement Wednesday, Ricken also held out hope the pontiff might be drawn to the Our Lady shrine another time.

"It certainly does not eliminate the possibility of a visit to our area in the future," he said.

— swilliams@pressgazettemedia.com and follow him on Twitter @pgscottwilliams.