People will have chance to see pope as he travels from site to site

Published: 2008-03-20

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Washingtonians and visitors to the nation's capital will have opportunities to greet Pope Benedict XVI during his April 15-17 visit to Washington. "An important part of the pope's demanding itinerary includes opportunities for the public to see the pope as he travels to some events," according to a March 19 news release from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The release said details of the pope's travel routes were still being finalized, but that there will be several opportunities for the general public to welcome the pope as he travels in the popemobile. Created for his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, the customized, bullet-proof vehicle allows for as much visual contact as possible between the pontiff and members of the public who gather to get a glimpse of him. The pontiff is expected to arrive at 4 p.m. April 15 at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland just outside Washington on an Alitalia flight dubbed "Shepherd One." Several Vatican officials and more than 60 members of the Vatican press corps will be on the same plane. President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush will be there to greet the pope, as will several church officials, according to the USCCB.

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