Pope Francis will celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September 23, part of his three-day visit to DC. If you plan on attending, we suggest you leave your selfie stick at home.
Bring your ticket. You can’t get into the secured Catholic University campus area without a ticket issued by the Archdiocese of Washington.
Count on metro delays. Just because the Pope’s in town doesn’t mean metro will receive divine intervention.
Bring your camera. They’re allowed, but flash photography is not.
Bring extra cash. You aren’t allowed to bring your own food or souvenirs into the secured area, but you can conveniently buy all that once inside the perimeters.
Dress in business casual. Shorts, ripped jeans, and flip-flops are never appropriate for church.
Don’t
Don’t bring weapons of any kind, including—but not limited to—ammunition, explosives, firearms, and mace.
Don’t bring anything with weapon potential, including—but not limited to—selfie sticks, toy guns, glass containers, and umbrellas.
Don’t be tardy. Sugggested arrival for the 4:15 PM Mass is between 10 AM and 2 PM. All guests must be seated by 3 PM.
Don’t bring any gifts for the Holy Father, although it’s a very generous thought.
No smoking before or during Mass, but afterward is fair game.
Don’t Bring Your Selfie Stick to the Canonization Mass
Pope Francis will celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September 23, part of his three-day visit to DC. If you plan on attending, we suggest you leave your selfie stick at home.
Washington Area Concierge Association (WACA) sent out the complete guide to all things papal visit 2015. Below are the top do’s and don’t’s:
Do
Don’t
Papal Visit Complete Information
For more information, visit popeindc.cua.edu.
Most Popular in News & Politics
Meet DC’s 2025 Tech Titans
The “MAGA Former Dancer” Named to a Top Job at the Kennedy Center Inherits a Troubled Program
White House Seriously Asks People to Believe Trump’s Letter to Epstein Is Fake, Oliver North and Fawn Hall Got Married, and It’s Time to Plan Your Apple-Picking Excursion
Trump Travels One Block From White House, Declares DC Crime-Free; Barron Trump Moves to Town; and GOP Begins Siege of Home Rule
See a Spotted Lanternfly? Here’s What to Do.
Washingtonian Magazine
September Issue: Style Setters
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
These Confusing Bands Aren’t Actually From DC
Fiona Apple Wrote a Song About This Maryland Court-Watching Effort
The Confusing Dispute Over the Future of the Anacostia Playhouse
Protecting Our Drinking Water Keeps Him Up at Night
More from News & Politics
GOP Candidate Quits Virginia Race After Losing Federal Contracting Job, Trump Plans Crackdown on Left Following Kirk’s Death, and Theatre Week Starts Thursday
5 Things to Know About “Severance” Star Tramell Tillman
See a Spotted Lanternfly? Here’s What to Do.
Patel Dined at Rao’s After Kirk Shooting, Nonviolent Offenses Led to Most Arrests During Trump’s DC Crackdown, and You Should Try These Gougères
How a DC Area Wetlands Restoration Project Could Help Clean Up the Anacostia River
Pressure Grows on FBI Leadership as Search for Kirk’s Killer Continues, Kennedy Center Fires More Staffers, and Spotted Lanternflies Are Everywhere
What Is Free DC?
Manhunt for Charlie Kirk Shooter Continues, Britain Fires US Ambassador Over Epstein Connections, and Sandwich Guy Will Get a Jury Trial