1. The Biology of Belief

Feeling a higher calling with His Holiness in town? Stop by the Biology of Belief, a talk by Andrew Newberg, the director of research at the Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine at Jefferson. Newberg will discuss whether humans are actually biologically inclined and hardwired for religious belief. No matter the verdict, we’re pretty sure Philadelphians are hardwired to complain about prophetic SEPTA delays, so this is a very cool on-campus opportunity to participate in a healthy debate open to all.

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 4 p.m, 1810 Liacouras Walk.

2. Dissent in America Teach-in: Pope Francis and the Future of the Church: From Buenos Aires to Rome and Beyond
There’s little doubt Pope Francis is changing the Holy See. As the first pontiff from Latin America (and the first non-European to hold the post in 1,300 years), he is addressing and altering the Catholic Church’s views on homosexuality, global warming and other topics with surprisingly modern candor. If you’re looking to soak up knowledge on why the papal visit to Philly is such a big deal, you’ll enjoy the year’s first teach-in discussion, on the historical precedent of Pope Francis and the effect of his papacy on the church’s future.
Friday, Sept. 18, 2–3:30 p.m., 821 Anderson Hall.

3. How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
With an estimated 1.5 million visitors traveling to Philadelphia during the pope’s stay, a little antiseptic could go a long way. Artist Zoë Sheehan Saldaña’s class to make your very own hand sanitizer sounds like a pretty essential hour to learn something new and stay healthy as flu season picks up.
Thursday, Sept. 24, 6–7 p.m, Temple Contemporary.

4. Provost Lecture Series: Mayor of Rome Ignazio R. Marino
Of course, Rome wasn’t built in a day (so far it’s been around for over 1 million of ’em, though, in its 2,768 years), but what’s it like to run one of the greatest cities in the history of the world today? Find out at a special evening with Ignazio R. Marino, the mayor of Rome, home of Vatican City. The multitalented Marino is a world-renowned surgeon who practiced in Italy and the U.S. for many years—including four years in Philly, yo! As mayor of the Eternal City, Marino brings his unique insight about driving innovation in an ancient metropolis steeped in bureaucracy (and really good pasta).
Thursday, Sept. 24, 4:30–6:30 p.m, Feinstone Lounge at Sullivan Hall.

5. Free Food and Fun Friday

It's not pope-themed, but this regular Friday event gets amped up a notch with co-host HootaThon, Temple’s raucous annual dance marathon. Come for the free grub and stay for music, games, trivia and—deep breath—prizes galore. Basically, it’s your weekly on-campus carnival, Temple-style.
Friday, Sept. 25, 10 p.m.–1 a.m., Atrium at Howard Gittis Student Center.

6. Avengers: Age of Ultron
Films at the Reel take a decidedly egalitarian twist in light of the pope’s descent upon the City of Brotherly Love with a FREE three-night, six-show run of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron all weekend. So instead of riding a tourist-clogged subway to Center City to hang out, you can now enjoy all the majesty of Thor’s glorious hair right here on campus.
Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. (two FREE showings each night), Howard Gittis Student Center.

7. Bingo Bonanza II
We’ll start this off real simple: You could win a widescreen TV. Yes, a TV. By playing bingo, a game of pure luck and chance. So unless you prefer using a magnifying glass to watch Game of Thrones, you should probably stop by. And even if the calls don’t go your way for the top bounty, up to 400 students can win prizes that range from Diamond Dollars to Temple swag.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 8 p.m., Room 200, Howard Gittis Student Center.

8. Softball!
Enjoy Saturday's beautiful weather at a two-pitch softball free-for-all hosted by Campus Rec. Word is President Theobald will be making an appearance on the field, and he’s got a mean two-seamer, though we can’t vouch for his hitting skills. Games will last seven innings and teams can field up to 10 players. Put together a team with friends beforehand or show up as a free agent and hop on a side. All members of the Temple community are welcome. And President T., if you’re reading this: Please rock the old-school stirrups!
Saturday, Sept. 26, 12–4 p.m., Geasey Field.

9. President’s BBQ for students
HOLY MOLY, IT’S ALMOST OVER. Before the fences come down and you can return to your regularly scheduled tramping across the city, Temple President Neil D. Theobald will be behind the grill cookin’ up free food for all you miraculously patient students. Start salivating now!
Saturday, Sept. 26, 4 p.m., Founder’s Garden.

10. All week: POPE-VISION!
The ticketed papal events are sold out, but you can still gather along the Parkway for the pre-Mass papal parade and a special papal Mass at Eakins Oval on Sunday, Sept. 27. Over 40 Jumbotrons will also be stationed throughout the city all weekend for people to catch papal events from a comfortable distance (no word on whether you can bring your grill for some solid tailgating). And if you’d rather enjoy the festivities from the comfort of your couch, our very own TUTV is one of only two college stations credentialed to cover the visit. Check it out on Comcast channel 50, Verizon channel 45 or templetv.net.

—Steve Whisler