The early faithful await Pope Francis’ arrival

The "phaithful" are making their way to Philadelphia to see Pope Francis.

The pontiff's first event of the day is not until late afternoon, when he delivers a speech at Independence Mall, but the faithful are already crossing the closed Ben Franklin Bridge and lining the route for a papal procession on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Early arrivals on the first SEPTA trains into Philadelphia's 30th Street Station were eager to begin their day.

Carol Ann Donahue arrived with her excited 14-year-old son Max.

“This is only going to happen once,” Max told Philly.com. “People from all over are coming here — from Europe, Russia, everywhere!”