Pope Francis DC Visit 2015: How To Get Tickets To See The Pontiff

Pope Francis will arrive in Washington Tuesday, but securing a chance to see the leader of the Roman Catholic Church won't be easy. Though getting tickets to meet the pontiff are nearly impossible, there are several ways people can catch a glimpse of Pope Francis during his first tour of the United States.

White House Welcoming Ceremony: Pope Francis will meet with President Barack Obama to discuss various social, economic, environmental and ethical issues at 9:15 a.m. EDT Wednesday. Tickets have not been provided for this event, but it can be viewed through live stream footage.

Papal Parade: The papal parade is one of the best ways for people to see the pope. The event will begin Wednesday at 11 a.m. EDT. It is free and open to the public. However, it’s first-come, first-served only, so arriving early might help. Spectators will have to pass through a security.

Midday Prayer With U.S. Bishops at St. Matthew’s Cathedral: Pope Francis will lead a midday prayer at Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle with bishops from the United States at 11:30 a.m. EDT Wednesday. This event probably will not be open to the public and is considered a “private matter.”

Junipero Serra Canonization Mass at Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: This could be one of the best ways to see the pontiff. An estimated 25,000 tickets will be distributed throughout parishes in the area and go to members of the Hispanic Catholic community. The mass, which will begin at 4:15 p.m. EDT Wednesday, will be said in Spanish. Don’t fret if tickets aren’t acquired, the mass will be played on large screens around the city and can also be watched on live stream.

Visit to St. Patrick’s Church and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington: The next day, Thursday, Pope Francis will visit St. Patrick’s Church at 11:15 a.m. EDT. He will say a short prayer. Homeless people who attend lunch at St. Maria Meals Program of the Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Washington will have a chance to see Pope Francis.

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