Mural of Pope Francis could be world record for paint-by-numbers participation

PHILADELPHIA -- A potentially record-breaking mural featuring Pope Francis has been unveiled in Philadelphia.

More than 2,700 people -- including the pontiff himself -- helped create the multistory artwork.

Organizers say that makes it eligible for the Guinness World Record for "Most Contributions to a Painting by Numbers."

The family-themed, multigenerational portrait shows the pope surrounded by parents and children. It was dedicated during a ceremony Monday.

Participants created the mural on 153 colour-coded cloth panels. Francis signed his name on a panel when he visited the city for the World Meeting of Families in September.

Artists from the city's Mural Arts Program then used adhesive to attach the fabric to the walls of the future St. Malachy School in north Philadelphia.

Local officials say Guinness is reviewing their bid.

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  Students sit beneath an image of Pope Francis during a ceremony dedicating the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program’s mural, titled The Sacred Now: Faith and Family in the 21st Century, Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP / Matt Rourke)