The Pope's Schedule of Events in D.C.

You may have heard -- the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has arrived in D.C.

But when will he be where -- and what will he be doing? And what's the best day to catch a glimpse of him in person?

Here's his public schedule:

TUESDAY, Sept. 22 (Washington, D.C.)

4 p.m.: Arrived from Cuba via a plane that landed at Joint Base Andrews, in Prince George's County, Maryland. He was greeted by a delegation including President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Tip to D.C. drivers: This is when the road closures begin.

The pope will then travel via a motorcade to his residence, at the Apostolic Nunciature on Massachusetts Avenue near Embassy Row in Northwest. 

Chances to see the Pope in person? None. 

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 23 (Washington, D.C.)

9:15 a.m.: The Pope attends an official welcome ceremony and meeting with President Obama at the White House. On Friday, the White House said it would allow 15,000 people onto the grounds to help welcome the Pope. 

Afterward, he'll travel around the White House Ellipse in what the Archdiocese of Washington is calling a "parade." He'll be in the open Popemobile and visible to the crowds.

11:30 a.m.: The Pope will attend Midday Prayer with the bishops of the United States at St. Matthew's Cathedral on Rhode Island Avenue in Northwest D.C.

4:15 p.m.: The Pope will preside at the Mass of Canonization of Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Michigan Avenue in Northeast.

This Mass is one of the highlights of the trip. About 23,000 ticketed guests are expected. And if you are trying to go or live in the neighborhood, be aware: Travel in this area will be a mess. Take Metro if you can, and try to use the Rhode Island or Fort Totten stations and take a shuttle bus.

Chances to see the Pope in person? Traffic disasters aside, this is a good day to try! Tickets are not required for the White House or Ellipse (though you will have to go through security screening, and certain items are prohibited). Tickets are required for the Mass, however. 

THURSDAY, Sept. 24 (Washington, D.C.; New York City)

9:20 a.m.: The Pope will address a joint meeting of Congress. Jumbotrons showing the speech will be set up in a special viewing area on the National Mall as well.

11:15 a.m.: The Pope will visit St. Patrick in the City and meet with staff and clients of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. 

4 p.m.: The Pope will leave the Nunciature for Joint Base Andrews and his flight to New York City.

Chances to see the Pope in person? Not as good as on Thursday. But his speech to Congress is a big deal, and if you head to the Mall, you can watch on the Jumbotrons and check out the concurrent rally on climate change being sponsored by the Earth Day Network. The Pope is expected to address climate change in his speech to Congress.

After D.C., the Pope travels to New York and Philadelphia. Read more on his itinerary here.

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