A Papal Parade

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Sitting in the Pope-mobile, perhaps the most sacred figure on earth drove past the Froggy Bottom Pub, Johnny Rockets, and practically through GW itself. Today’s short ride began at the White House where Pope Benedict XVI met with President Bush, and was greeted by upwards of 13,500 people in the largest gathering in White House history. At noon Benedict traveled west on Pennsylvania Avenue, past Washington Circle and then onto Rock Creek Parkway where he exited at Massachusetts Avenue.

Thousands of people lined the streets. Some sang songs and waved flags, while others proudly displayed their new, commemorative Pope t-shirts. Benedict, who turns 81 years old today, will hold a Papal Mass before 46,000 people at Nationals Park tomorrow, an event that is sold out. Tomorrow evening, at about 5:15 p.m. the Pope will ride from the campus of The Catholic University of America to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic church in North America, and one of the largest religious structures in the world. The viewing route at Catholic University is by ticket only and have already been distributed.

The Holy Father’s 6-day American trip will continue in New York City later this week where he will hold mass at Yankee Stadium, speak at the United Nations, and visit Ground Zero. The Pope’s visit is designed to introduce himself to America, home to millions of Catholics but also a place where the Holy Father is largely unfamiliar.

-Jesse Regis