Near White House, Americans to greet pope

Sep 12, 2015

Two American landmarks - the area near the White House and Central Park in New York - will host thousands of Americans eager to see Pope Francis when he visits this month, officials said.

Two American landmarks -- the area near the White House and Central Park in New York -- will host thousands of Americans eager to see Pope Francis when he visits this month, officials said Wednesday.

The Pope arrives in America September 22 with a visit to Washington and after New York, he will tour Philadelphia.

Everywhere he is due to go, tickets to papal events are being snapped up with dizzying speed, sometimes in a matter of minutes.

After meeting with President Barack Obama on September 23, the pope will head out in his bullet-proof Popemobile on the streets near the Executive Office Building, right next to the White House, church officials said.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of New Yorkers eager to see Francis have signed up for a lottery that will distribute tickets for a procession through Central Park.

More than 93,000 people came forward to grab tickets for the September 25 event. Mayor Bill de Blasio said. The total allowed capacity for the park parade is 80,000.

"The overwhelming response we received from New Yorkers throughout the state made clear: Pope Francis is one of the world’s most important voices, and his historic visit to New York City will be an unforgettable experience," the mayor said.

During his stay in the Big Apple on the evening of the 24th and all of the next day, Francis has a busy schedule including a speech at the United Nations, presiding over mass at Madison Square Garden and a ceremony at the September 11 terror attack memorial.

Before the mass Francis will greet thousands of New Yorkers in the procession through Central Park.

The lottery was open to anyone living in New York state. Each person chosen in the lottery will get two tickets.

During his stay in New York the pope will also visit a school in East Harlem to talk to students and teachers.

He will also meet with unaccompanied migrants children who are being looked after by Catholic charities.
No tickets will be necessary but people will have to clear security checks that open well before dawn for a viewing six hours later.

A large screen TV set up near the Washington Monument will air footage of the ride and the pope's other movements around the city.

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