Papa Francisco on the move

The Marriott Marquis in downtown Washington, DC was all "a buzz" as media began filing in to pick up credentials and some to board buses to go out to Joint Base Andrews for Pope Francis arrival. Today I started by helping with the interview request desk in the filing center. I've fielded questions from our media friends from Russia, Italy, Macedonia and of course the United States. Close to 8,000 media have been issued credentials to cover this visit from every corner in the globe. 

I stepped away from the desk briefly to have lunch with my boss, Bishop Bradley, at the very delightful Busboys and Poets. I then handed him all the personal messages people had submitted via or website so he can ensure they get to the pope. 

I have to say I was giddy with excitement as the plane landed and Pope Francis made his way down the steps where they had literally rolled out the red carpet for him. 

 After warm greetings from the entire First Family, Vice President Biden and his wife and other bishops he was greeted by four Catholic school students from around Washington, D.C. 

The Pope had that same warm, friendly smile that we've grown to love. Then he stepped into a tiny little fiat - the smallest car in the motorcade. 

The Vatican has made specific instructions to have as much of the Pope's visit live-streamed to be accessible to all. You can find a live stream on our diocesan website.

The subsequent media briefing with Vatican spokesman Fr. Frederico Lombardi was wonderful (I once read a New Yorker profile that said Fr. Lombardi looked like an Italian film director which is very fitting). Fr. Lombardi (also a Jesuit) has been in his post awhile and is a true pro. My communications/media friends would enjoy his handling of all questions with a bemused confidence enjoyable to watch. When asked by a reporter what the Pope was expected to say to President Obama, Fr. Lombardi answered, "I am not a prophet." When pressed on the same topic later he said, "You'll have to listen - otherwise there will be no surprise." And while some might think Fr. Lombardi is being coy he's not. He's simply respecting the process of letting the Holy Father speak for himself before pre-empting his messages with his own interpretation or speculation before the fact. And of course he's practical because our Holy Father is known to go "off-script" quite often.

The pope coverage is overwhelming. But that's a good thing. However, I have a few favorite resources I'll share with you.

If you want up-to-date video clips check out USCCB's Papal Visit website here. 

Here's a nice recap video produced by my friends at Catholic News Service.

Laurie Goodstein wrote a wonderful and insightful feature on the Church for the New York Times here. 

I haven't had much time to explore any papal tchotchke or swag but did get a nice water bottle :). 

Tomorrow is another full day as Pope Francis gives his first prepared speech in English (most of his will be in Spanish-his native language). 

Tomorrow I'm likely fielding questions at the media center and then heading onto New York City as part of an "advance team" (how cool does that sound :) that is helping in New York. Which I think is code for an early morning. 

Peace out.