Daniela Berson
WMAL.com

WASHINGTON — (WMAL) Although the pope isn’t set to arrive in D.C. until September 22nd, the local archdiocese is already preparing for his arrival.

In less than two months, Pope Francis will visit the White House and hold mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

There’s a limited amount of space in the cathedral and Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, anticipates a huge crowd.

“This is very exciting,” Wuerl said, “But we also have to remember… everyone wants to see this pope.”

Wuerl said that Pope Francis will visit Catholic charities in the area and that the meal service the church normally provides would continue its normal schedule during the visit.

However, the influx of people to see the pope will close the roads surrounding the National Shrine.

Many measures and precautions are required to ensure the pope’s safety and the crowd’s cooperation.

“They’re all these fixed elements, and every one of them requires an immense amount of detail work,” Wuerl said, “And then add to that the fact that everyone in the world wants to be present.”

While it’s impossible to estimate attendance for September’s papal visit, Pope Francis is revered among Catholic worshipers around the world for his willingness to interact with people who need his help.

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