Here's A Chance to See Pope Francis During DC Visit Without a Ticket

»PHOTO of Pope Francis courtesy of Flicker/Creative Commons.

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Tickets went fast for the events where the public can meet Pope Francis during his visit to the United States -- including Washington, D.C. -- later this month. But a new addition to his schedule announced Thursday will let the masses see the pontiff.

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, after meeting with President Obama at the White House, Pope Francis will drive a parade route between the Ellipse and a portion of the National Mall in the Popemobile, the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. announced Thursday.

The Popemobile will be a retrofitted Jeep Wrangler, the Washington Post reports.

This will be a chance for the estimated tens of thousands of people expected to gather in Washington to see the Holy Father while he is visiting the nation’s capital, Sept. 22-24.

Security gates to open at 4 a.m.

The viewing area of the open motorcade route is free and open to the public. No tickets are required, however spectators will need to pass through security. Security gates will open for the Ellipse and the National Mall at 4 a.m. on Sept. 23 and will close at 10 a.m., according to the Archdiocese.

No one will be admitted into the area after that point in time. No food or drink may be brought in from the outside, but concessions will be available for purchase. Once inside the perimeter, attendees will not be allowed to leave and re-enter until the Holy Father’s Popemobile tour is complete. For a full list of restricted items, visit www.walkwithfrancis.org/visit.

Large video screen on Washington Monument grounds

People are also invited to gather on the grounds of the Washington Monument to watch live coverage of the Holy Father’s day on a large video screen. The pope’s schedule (see full schedule below) will include his address to the U.S. bishops at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle, as well as the Mass of Canonization for Blessed Junipero Serra.

The afternoon Mass will be celebrated by Pope Francis on the east portico of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and The Catholic University of America in the afternoon. Between his address to the bishops and the live coverage of the Mass, a pre-Mass program will be aired on the large screen. The Canonization Mass at the basilica is expected to begin around 4:15 p.m. Participants who watch the live coverage may bring in signage, food and drinks into the area, provided they comply with guidelines set by the National Park Service.

Pope Francis’ visit is one of three stops he plans to make while visiting the United States (he’ll also be visiting New York and Philadelphia).

Pope Francis DC schedule

Tuesday, Sept. 22: Pope Francis will begin his pastoral visit to the United States with his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in the afternoon.

Wednesday, Sept. 23:

• Welcoming ceremony at the White House followed by a private meeting with President Obama
• Mid-day prayer with the bishops of the United States at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle
• Mass in the afternoon on the east portico of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the University Mall at The Catholic University of America. During the Mass, the pope will canonize Blessed Junipero Serra.

Tickets to the Canonization Mass of Blessed Junipero Serra on Sept. 23 are being distributed through local parishes. Due to the small size of the venue, tickets are very limited. The Mass will be broadcast live online at walkwithfrancis.org. For more details as they are released, text PopeinDC to 84576.

Thursday, Sept. 24:

• Address joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in the morning.
• Visit St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in D.C. and meet with several clients of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington in late morning.
• Blessing and brief remarks to the clients gathered at lunchtime for the St. Maria Meals Program of the Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Washington.
• Depart for New York City from Andrews Air Force Base.

If you’re taking Metro

Wednesday, Sept. 23

• Hours: Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight on Wednesday, Sept. 23
• Fares: Normal weekday fare policies in effect.
• All Metrorail stations will be open; however, selected station entrances may be closed due to security needs.
• Regular rush hour train service during the AM and PM commute.
• Additional train service during midday and late evening hours. There will be no scheduled track work on any rail line, and trains will run at near rush-hour service levels during midday and late evening hours to provide additional capacity for riders. Riders should note that it is not possible to add trains or cars during rush hours, as every available car is already being used for service. As a result, the system is expected to be extremely crowded during the traditional rush hour periods
• Metrobus will operate on a regular weekday schedule. Riders should expect detours and delays on all routes serving Downtown DC.

Important Information About Brookland Station

• More than 25,000 ticketed guests are expected to attend the Mass at the Basilica, placing extraordinary pressure on Brookland Station, which has limited capacity.
• To accommodate as many people as possible:
  • Brookland Station may be designated “exit only” prior to the event (exact times TBD)
  • Brookland Station may be designated “entry only” following the event (exact times TBD)
  • Shuttle bus service will run between Brookland and two adjacent stations: Rhode Island Avenue and Fort Totten. Details will be released at a later date.
  • Additional bus service will be provided on the H Line to and from Columbia Heights.
• Despite these efforts, attendees may experience extremely lengthy waits before being able to reenter the Metrorail system.

Thursday, Sept. 24

• Hours: Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight.
• Fares: Normal weekday fares in effect.
• Parking: Regular rates apply at all Metro-operated facilities.
• Stations: All Metrorail stations will be open; however, selected station entrances may be closed due to security needs.
• Regular rush hour train service during the AM and PM commute.
• Additional train service during midday hours. There will be no scheduled track work on any rail line, and trains will run at near rush-hour service levels during midday hours to provide additional capacity for riders. Riders should note that it is not possible to add trains or cars during rush hours, as every available car is already being used for service. As a result, the system is expected to be extremely crowded during the traditional rush hour periods.
• Metrobus will operate on a regular weekday schedule. Expect detours and delays on all routes that travel near the U.S. Capitol (morning event) and Gallery Place (afternoon event).

Know Before You Go

• Pope Francis’ visit is expected to draw up to several hundred thousand people to events during the visit. Be prepared for long lines, full trains and the possibility of delays on trains and buses throughout the region. Also be aware of the possibility of unannounced security measures, such as temporary station entrance closures, during the Papal visit.
• Before traveling, consider your ability to walk, stand, and tolerate warm temperatures for extended periods of time. Dress appropriately.
• Prohibited items at many events include selfie sticks, alcohol, bicycles, explosives/fireworks, glass containers, chairs, coolers, animals (except service animals), weapons, and more. Be sure to check the event website for a complete list. If in doubt about whether an item will be permitted, it is best to leave it at home.
• For your safety, any bag, package or container carried onto the transit system may be subject to random, non-invasive security screening by Metro Transit Police.
• Report suspicious activity or unattended items to Metro Transit Police. Call 202-962-2121 or text MyMTPD (696873). In an emergency, you may also call 911.