If You Have No Ticket, Here Are Other Ways to See the Pope and Watch the Mass

Persons without tickets are strongly encouraged to stay home or gather with friends or family to watch the papal Mass online or on TV. You can download and print a copy of the official Mass Program (PDF) to follow along. Only individuals with tickets for the Mass will be allowed to enter the secure area of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and The Catholic University of America on Sept. 23.

There is no waiting area on or adjacent to campus for those without tickets. No provisions have been made to accommodate large crowds of people without tickets gathering in the public areas around the CUA campus. The streets in the vicinity of the Mass venue will be closed. Security in the area will dictate vehicular and pedestrian traffic patterns and those who do not hold tickets for the Mass may be directed away from campus.

The Catholic University of America will provide online live streaming video from its campus throughout the day on Sept. 23, including the full Canonization Mass of Junípero Serra, which will be celebrated by Pope Francis. EWTN is planning to broadcast live TV coverage throughout the day, as are Catholic TV, Salt + Light TV, and New Evangelization Television. Many comercial television stations also will air live reports of papal events. Please check local listings for details.

Papal Parade Route Open to the Public

On Sept. 23, after meeting with President Obama at the White House, Pope Francis will travel on a parade route between the Ellipse and a portion of the National Mall in the Popemobile. This will be an opportunity for people to see the Holy Father.

The viewing area of the open motorcade route is free and open to the public. No tickets are required, however spectators will need to pass through security.

Security gates will open for the Ellipse and the National Mall at 4 a.m. on Sept. 23 and will close at 10 a.m.

Papal Events Viewing Opportunities

Also on Sept. 23, the public is invited to the grounds of the Washington Monument to watch coverage of the Holy Father’s events of the day live via video broadcast.  The day’s events include Pope Francis’ address to the U.S. Bishops at the Cathedral of St. Matthew as well as the Mass of Canonization of Junípero Serra.