There will be few chances to see Pope Francis in DC or NYC

Friday, Sep. 04, 2015

By Veola Burchett

Special to the Intermountain Catholic

As the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia draws closer, many of you have questions. Thank you for calling and asking. I enjoy speaking with you.  

Some confusion has arisen with the Pope’s schedule for his trip to the United States, which includes New York and Washington prior to his visit to Philadelphia. Hopefully, I can clear up those misconceptions.  

Pope Francis will arrive first in Washington, D.C. The public will not have access to his visit there, except that he will make an appearance outside the west front of the U.S. Capitol after he addresses joint session of Congress, and crowds also can gather outside of the White House during the welcoming ceremony for the pope on the South Lawn. He will then have mid-day prayer with members of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Canonization Mass for Blessed Junipero Serra at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is by invitation only, and all invitations have been issued. After the address to Congress, he will visit St. Patrick’s Church and Catholic Charities of D.C., then leave for New York.

In New York City, Pope Francis will have a private visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, address the United Nations General Assembly, and lead a multi-religious service at the 9/11 Memorial. This service is closed to the public and even if you gather out front, you probably won’t see him. He then will visit a Catholic school, but this also will be closed to the public.  

There will be a public Mass in Madison Square Garden. On the website it states that tickets are being distributed through parishes within the Archdiocese of New York and that if you live outside of the New York area, your chances of getting tickets are slim. They do stress that tickets are not being distributed any other way. Your best chance is to know someone who knows someone.   

In Philadelphia, Pope Francis has a number of events scheduled, only two of which are open to the public. He will put in an appearance at the Festival of Families on Saturday, Sept. 26. That probably means the Ben Franklin Parkway will be closed down, with large television screens located throughout the area, and that is how most of us will see him.  

The World Meeting of Families closing Mass will be on Sunday, Sept. 27 outdoors on the Ben Franklin Parkway. NO TICKETS NECESSARY. If someone tries to sell you a ticket, it’s a scam. Mass will start at 4 p.m. With 1 million to 2 million people expected, I suggest you get there early.  

Please be aware that Pope Francis’ visit isn’t just a visit from a religious leader, but a visit by a head of state, which means there will be plenty of security and secret service agents around; but don’t let this dissuade you. If you can come, please do!