When Pope Francis visits Philadelphia in September, I plan to be there capturing the historical moments with my iPhone and iPad.
I was selected to be a volunteer as a Digital Diplomat for the World Meeting of Families weekend! What does that mean? I will be documenting the Holy Father’s visit and the pilgrims coming to see him through social media. I will be there Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27. If you plan to be there too, let me know so we can connect in the City of Brotherly Love. You can also apply to be a volunteer in any capacity here.
Pope Francis’ trip to the U.S. includes stops in Washington, DC and New York City as well as Philadelphia.
Here is his current schedule and tips on travel options in case you’d like to go but don’t know where to begin.
Pope Francis’ Schedule in the United States
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 (WASHINGTON, DC)
4:00 p.m. Arrival from Cuba at Joint Base Andrews
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 (WASHINGTON, DC)
9:15 a.m. Welcome ceremony and meeting with President Obama at the White House
11:30 a.m. Midday Prayer with the bishops of the United States, St. Matthew’s Cathedral
4:15 p.m. Mass of Canonization of Junipero Serra, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (WASHINGTON, DC, NEW YORK CITY)
9:20 a.m. Address to Joint Session of the United States Congress
11:15 a.m. Visit to St. Patrick in the City and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
4:00 p.m. Depart from Joint Base Andrews
5:00 p.m. Arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport
6:45 p.m. Evening Prayer (Vespers) at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 (NEW YORK CITY)
8:30 a.m. Visit to the United Nations and Address to the United Nations General Assembly
11:30 a.m. Multi-religious service at 9/11 Memorial and Museum, World Trade Center
4:00 p.m. Visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School, East Harlem
6:00 p.m. Mass at Madison Square Garden (Note ticketed event handled through the Archdiocese of New York)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (NEW YORK CITY, PHILADELPHIA)
8:40 a.m. Departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport
9:30 a.m. Arrival at Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia
10:30 a.m. Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
4:45 p.m. Visit to Independence Mall
7:30 p.m. Visit to the Festival of Families Benjamin Franklin Parkway
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 (PHILADELPHIA)
9:15 a.m. Meeting with bishops at at St. Martin’s Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary (closed to the public)
11:00 a.m. Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (closed to the public)
4:00 p.m. Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway
7:00 p.m. Visit with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families, Atlantic Aviation (closed to the public)
8:00 p.m. Departure for Rome
Visiting Philadelphia
If you’re interested in attending the Festival of Families Saturday September 26 and the Papal Mass Sunday, September 27, there are several lodging and transportation options.
Passes for transportation in the Philadelphia area will be given out via lottery. You can enter to lottery starting Monday, August 3 at 12 midnight. Enter here.
The Archdiocese of Atlanta has booked a block of rooms at the Courtyard Marriott. Contact Patrick Metts at 404-920-7643 or pmetts@archatl.com.
The event organizers for the World Meeting of Families are also offering hotel accommodations for the weekend. Book your reservations online. Note a deposit is required.
Got unanswered questions about the Holy Father’s visit to the U.S.? Check out these websites for more information: