Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to visit Washington, April 15 through 18, as part of a six-day visit to the United States.
While he is in Washington, the Pope will meet with President Bush on April 16 at the White House, and will celebrate at a mass scheduled for April 17 at 10 am, located at Washington Nationals Park.
The public will have several opportunities to view the Pope as he moves around the city in the Popemobile. After the Pope’s April 16 visit at the White House, around noon, the Pope will travel in the popemobile to the Vatican Embassy located at 3339 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. From the White House, the route will follow Pennsylvania Avenue to Washington Circle. From there the motorcade will head toward Massachusetts Avenue through Rock Creek Parkway to the residence located across from the US Naval observatory.
The public generally can see the Pope from the sidewalks throughout the route. Sidewalks immediately in front of the White House and Lafayette Park, directly across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, will be closed to the public. Washington Circle also will be closed as a viewing location.
Later that day, at approximately 5:15 pm, the Pope will board the popemobile for a second motorcade from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops offices at 3211 4th Street, NE, to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Michigan Avenue. The public can see the Pope along this route from the west side of 4th Street, NE, and from the south side of Michigan Avenue in front of and across the Street from the Shrine.
For more information about the Pope’s visit to the District of Columbia, select from the following links: