Checkpoint lines huge for Pope, some could be stuck outside for Mass

The rides and walks into Philadelphia Sunday for the Pope's 4 p.m. Mass were deceptively easy. But people could still be stuck in checkpoints outside the Ben Franklin Parkway even when the Mass begins.

One security checkpoint that had been reserved for pilgrims with the 10,000 tickets to official seats for the papal Mass was opened to the general public. But despite that, tens of thousands of people were reportedly stuck in hours-long waits, with lines stretching for several blocks.

New Jersey 101.5 Brand Manager Eric Johnson got to a checkpoint Race Street and at 20th Street in Philadelphia at around 11:30 a.m., and was still about half a block from getting through at 2 p.m.

New Jersey 101.5 Reporter Dino Flammia was subjected to what he called a very thorough screening that took about 10 minutes — though he was carrying recording equipment and other gear.

According to the Associated Press, most took the wait in stride, though some jumped concrete barriers to get out of line and try their luck at other checkpoints.

The Ben Franklin Parkway can only hold about 250,000 people, but officials say hundreds of thousands more will line other streets of Philadelphia and watch the Mass on giant screens.

Train rides and the walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge had gone smoothly early in the day, but New Jersey 101.5's Dan Tantillo reports the bridge was beginning to fill up in the early afternoon, with far more people crossing. Still, the walk appeared to be going without much difficulty.

 

 

 

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Want to share lots and lots of news? Email us at newsjerz@nj1015.com before Friday with the words “pope visit” in the subject to make arrangements to get in touch throughout the visit.

 

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