Pope Francis in DC: Popemobile parade route announced

WASHINGTON - The public will get the chance to see Pope Francis in person in D.C. on Wednesday, September 23, when he rides in the Popemobile during a parade that will take him around the White House Ellipse and along part of the National Mall.

The Archdiocese of Washington announced Thursday that the Pope will travel along the National Mall in his Popemobile on September 23 after visiting with President Obama at the White House. While this leg of his tour will be free and open to the public, visitors will have to pass through heavy security in order to take part.

Security gates will be open at 4:00 a.m. and will close at 10:00 a.m. Once inside, the Archdiocese says no one will be allowed to leave and re-enter until the parade is complete. Visitors can also gather near the Washington Monument to watch live coverage of the parade on a large video screen.

For a complete list of items that will not be allowed inside security, click here.

Later the same day, Pope Francis will address the U.S. bishops at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle, and will hold Mass for the Canonization for Blessed Junipero Serra.

Pope Francis arrives in D.C. on Tuesday, September 22. On Thursday, September 24, he will address a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress before departing later in the day for New York City.

HERE'S THE POPE'S COMPLETE D.C. SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, September 22, 2015:

Wednesday, September 23, 2015:

Thursday, September 24, 2015:

More info is available here: http://walkwithfrancis.org/schedule/ and http://adw.org/