PhillyVoice met this week with Michael Grant to get his take on Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia next month.
Grant is better known for his portrayal of Philly Jesus – attired in a robe and sandals and carrying a staff as he walks around his usual haunt, Love Park.
Grant credits his embrace of the gospel and his street theater portrayal of Jesus with kicking a drug addiction that began with painkillers prescribed after being run over by a vehicle. He's become a familiar presence in Center City.
He answered a few questions for us about the impending visit of the Holy Father and his plans for papal weekend.
Q: Do you have plans to see or meet the pope, Philly Jesus? Or is it the pope's duty to find Philly Jesus?
A: It would be an honor and a privilege to meet him. I was raised Catholic. I was an altar boy, but now I am a born-again Christian.
Q: Where will you be during the papal weekend? I don't think the pope is planning a detour to Love Park. Are you heading to the Ben Franklin Parkway or Independence Hall?
A: I will be floating around here at Love Park. I’ll be preaching the gospel on the streets. I hope to see him.
Q: Think your outfit will speed you through the security checkpoints? Or slow you down?
A: I think it will help. I might just go like this, but I’ll leave the staff at home. If they ask me if I have a ticket, I’ll tell them I am the ticket; I’m portraying Christ!
Michael Grant aka Philly Jesus greets two children Wednesday in the fountain at Love Park. (Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice)
Q: What do you make of all the security?
A: The pope will have more security than the president of the United States. But I can understand why. There’ve been unsuccessful attacks before.
Q: Say you did manage a conversation with Pope Francis, what would you ask or tell him?
A: I’d like to meet with him and conversate. I’d introduce myself as Philly Jesus, but I’d say call me PJ. Then I think I’d like to explain my background and how I came to be portraying Jesus and then I’d ask him to explain his background. I’d talk about how the doctrines we have are similar and different.
Q: If you were going to share a glass and break bread with the pope, what would you choose to drink and eat? A Kenziger beer and a soft pretzel? Sarcone's bread and a red wine concocted in a South Philly row house? Or something else?
A: Italian wine and bread would be my meal. But maybe a cabernet, a cabernet from Argentina would be good. But no more than one glass and always with a meal.
But if he asked me what to eat and where, it would be a Philly chicken cheesesteak, with extra cheese, ketchup and mayo from Papa Nick’s in Olney. That’s my favorite.