1. When will Pope Benedict be in the United States?
2. What are his plans while here?
3. Can I get tickets to the Mass at the Nationals Park?
4. If I can't get a ticket to the Mass, can I watch on TV?
5. When will he travel in the popemobile?
6. What is the theme of the Holy Father's Apostolic Journey?
7. I got a ticket to the Papal Mass: how do I get there?
8. Does my child need a ticket?
9. What is the schedule for the day of the Mass?
10. Are there any restrictions on what I can bring with me?
11. Are there accommodations for people with special needs?
12. Where can I get official papal visit merchandise?
1. When will Pope Benedict be in the United States?
Pope Benedict will arrive in Washington, DC on April 15, 2008 for his first Papal visit to the United States, then travel to New York on April 18 and return to the Vatican on April 20. While in the United States, he will celebrate his 81st birthday on April 16 and, on April 19, the 3rd anniversary of his election to the papacy.
2. What are his plans while here?
The Holy Father will have a full schedule. His visit to Washington includes plans for a visit to the White House; an interfaith gathering; a meeting with the bishops of the United States; an address to the presidents of Catholic colleges and universities and diocesan heads of education; and Mass at the new Washington Nationals baseball stadium. His New York schedule includes plans to address the United Nations; meet with ecumenical leaders; celebrate Mass with priests, deacons and religious; meet with children with disabilities; participate in a rally with youth and seminarians; visit Ground Zero and celebrate Mass at Yankee Stadium.
3. Can I get tickets to one of the Masses?
Free tickets for the Mass at Nationals Park baseball stadium in Washington, DC have been distributed by the Archdiocese of Washington, primarily through our parishes and other dioceses. Information and sign up for a waiting list is available here. Tickets for the Mass at Yankees Stadium were distributed by the Archdiocese of New York.
4. If I can't get a ticket to the Mass, will I be able to watch on TV?
Television stations in the Washington, DC area and other locations plan to broadcast the Mass live, and will offer special programming the week of the Papal visit. More information coming soon.
5. Will there be other opportunities for people to see him in Washington?
Yes. In light of the great interest in the Pope Benedict XVI’s visit, and recognizing that not everyone who would like to see him will be able to attend the Mass, the Holy Father will travel via popemobile on two occasions on April 16: at approximately noon when he leaves the White House for the nunciature and then at 5:15 p.m. from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. On April 17, he will travel through the campus of The Catholic University of America in the popemobile on his way from an address to educators to a meeting with interreligious leaders at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center. That route, however, is not open to the general public. Details are here and click here to view maps of the routes prepared by the DC Metropolitan Police Department.
6. What is the theme of the Holy Father's Apostolic Journey?
The theme for this 2008 Apostolic Journey of Pope Benedict XVI to the United States is Christ Our Hope. This theme reflects the Holy Father's encyclical, Spe salvi (On Christian Hope), which was issued on November 30, 2007. A study guide for Spe salvi was prepared for his visit and is available online, under Parish/School Resources.
7. I got a ticket to the Mass! How do I get there?
The best way to get to the Papal Mass is Metro. Metro will open at 5:00 a.m. on April 17. The Navy Yard metro stop (Green Line) is one block from the entrance to Nationals Park.
A commemorative one-day "Mass Pass" with the Mass logo is available from Metro at Metro sales offices through April 16 and can be used along with regular Metro cards. Visit Metro's papal visit website for details on traveling to the Mass.
Also, bus parking has been arranged at RFK stadium, with free shuttles to Nationals Park for ticketholders to the Mass. Information has been sent to parishes and dioceses. If you are with a bus company transporting a ticketed group to the Mass, please know that bus parking is by permit only. Charter bus companies must obtain a trip permit to enter DC. Note: all buses must obtain a parking pass for RFK Stadium by registering online.
Finally, limited parking for automobiles is available at RFK and a downtown parking lot. Details on attending the Mass here (en español).
8. Does my child need a ticket?
Yes. Each person attending the Mass must have a ticket, even very young children and infants.
9. What is the schedule for the day?
- 5:00 a.m.: Metro opens and shuttles from RFK Stadium begin
- 5:15 a.m.: Nationals Park opens
- 5:30 a.m.: Pre-Mass program begins
- 6:00 a.m.: Confessions open
- 7:30 a.m.: Concelebrating priests should be in stadium
- 8:30 a.m.: Ticket holders should be in stadium
- 10:00 a.m.: Papal Mass (approx. 2 hours)
10. Are there any restrictions on what I can bring with me?
Yes. As with any large stadium event, some practical restrictions are necessary. The following may not be brought into the stadium: metal, plastic or glass containers of any kind; backpacks and large bags; large flags or banners, poles and staffs (metal, plastic or wooden); weapons and illegal substances; fireworks; whistles; food and beverages; video cameras and tripods (non-video, personal cameras are acceptable). Also, no pets are allowed as only service animals may enter the stadium.
Please note that food and drink concessions will be available on-site prior to and after the Mass.
11. Are there accommodations for people with special needs?
Special accommodations have been made for persons who have disabilities to attend the liturgy. Please indicate special needs when purchasing your parking permit, and park only at RFK Stadium. Wheelchair-accessible shuttles will transport attendees to the designated entrance at Nationals Park for wheelchair users (on South Capitol Street).
Nationals Park has numerous wheelchair-accessible areas where companions may also sit. This liturgy will also be interpreted for sign language users. For all special needs concerns and to request wheelchair or sign language accessible seating, please contact Peg Kolm in the Archdiocese’s Office for Ministry with Persons with Disabilities, 301-853-4560.
12.Where can I get official papal visit merchandise?
Merchandise commemorating Pope Benedict's visit to Washington, DC is available online at www.popevisit2008.com. In a special arrangement with the merchandiser, Catholic to the Max, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit Christ Our Hope Foundation, Inc., the organization supporting the Holy Father’s visit to Washington, DC.
An official Commemorative Papal Visit bear-sized tee is available online at at Build-A-Bear Workshop® stores in the Washington, DC area (Tysons Corner Center, Westfield Montgomery, Fair Oaks, Potomac Mills, St. Charles Towne Center and Spotsylvania Towne Centre). A portion of the proceeds benefit the Christ Our Hope Foundation, Inc., the organization supporting the Holy Father’s visit. The tee also may be purchased online (type "pope" in the search bar).
Do you have a question about the visit? Contact us and you may see your question (and an answer) here! Please include your name, city and state in your e-mail.