this is the basilica in washington, d.c. ass held in spanish but you will be hearing english translation. >>> the pope's influence reaching the car dealership lot. you watched yesterday as the pope shunned the typical motorcade black car for a fiat. >> nbc 10's drew smith checks in with customers at a fiat dealer. crediting the holy leader with h helping them choose a new car. >> reporter: one of moments that people are talking about, when he hopped in the back of the compact fiat 500l, an unusual sight as most head of state ride in large, black suvs or limousines. >> reporter: erica test drove the same model pope francis is using. >> love how small it is. love it. >> reporter: her mom is from italy, and she says these cars are all over the place in europe. but not so much here in the states. she thinks the publicity from the pope could change that. >> it's very excite squoog all good news for the general manager at fiat of maple shade. >> we've been getting phone calls and people coming into the dealership now that maybe wou

he is on his way now from the basilica to st. paul ii seminary. >> i feel like people in this country and all over the world are really hungry for a leader like this right now, someone who walks the walk rather than just -- we have so many leaders now who say one thing and seem to do another. and here is a man who is humble and his message is all about love and compassion and reaching out of your comfort zone to help people less fortunate. and that is a wonderful thing, and inspiring to so many people who -- catholic and non-catholic. >> there is a power to that humility, without a shadow of a doubt. the pope is on his way to st. johnaul seminary. as i said earlier, i don't know if this weather was -- what's the worth i'm looking for, coincidence or not. but it certainly did work out well. let's not question it, right? >> that's exactly right. >> a blessing. >> it is a blessing. the amazing thing is monday we had the rain, yesterday we had the clouds. the pope got in yesterday at 4:00. all of a sudden, the sun is shining, he does

monsignor rossi, the rector of the basilica here, was saying 1300 members in the last couple of months have come back to the catholic church. this pope is certainly a big deal. again, making his way to the front of the basilica where he will be greeted by some 2300 novices who are there to show him the excitement and the future of the catholic church. back to you. >> meagan fitzgerald, again, live pictures of pope francis in the popemobile, making his way around, through the crowd, on the grounds of the basilica. about 15 minutes to go before the historic mass begins there. vice president joe biden expected to be among those attending today, along with of course cardinal wuerl and monsignor rossi, they are expected to accompany the pope to the chapel for private prayer before the mass gets underway. >> vice president biden has been following this pope in many ways. he was there for the installation of pope francis. in fact devout catholics are given the opportunity to kiss the ring upon meeting the pope. vice president biden declined to do that. but he has spoken very, very eloquently

>> reporter: he came onto the basilica grounds. he drove in the back of the crowd, so people that have -- the toughest seats, the worst view for the canonization mass today had an up-close view of the pope as he drove by. the crowd is, as you can imagine, just so excited. this is really a moment for him not to be protected or be in a bubble but to drive right through this crowd of people and wave to them and have a moment with them as he makes the rounds, antonio. >> he must be exhausted. he's a 78-year-old man. he traveled across many time zones and has been, you know, very busy for the past week, and he just seems to be thrilled to be there. >> i think the people really excite him, antonio. this is the fifth day of a ten-day trip. he's a 78-year-old man who has only one lung. he lost part of his lung when he was a young man. he is infectious with joy. when he saw people outside the nunciature this mortgage, you could tell he was tired and he went right over to them and hugged them and talked to them. i think this is when his side

it's in between me and the basilica. along the route, hundreds of people, thousands of people have been sitting there for five, six, seven hours waiting for the one moment they got it this often. rock star status as he has been treated the whole time since he landed. cheering and screaming as the pope mobile rolled by. behind me the mass continues. the canonization mass started about 4:15. it is expected to go for another about 15, 20 minutes. maybe longer. suzanne kennedy is inside. she has been a part of the mass and listening to every step of the way. very exciting in there. there have been cheers as though there was a football game played in there. suzanne? suzanne: people were thrilled when the poem came through here not once but twice. in the pope mobile. we are an hour and a half into this mass. if you take a look behind me, we are in the portion of the mass communion is being given. portion completed in the first 20 minutes. that was the canonization. we heard in the homily a call to action if you will by the holy

the pope is still inside the basilica right now. earlier today at the white house the president and the pope did exchange gifts. the pope giving the president a brass plaque commemorating the conference of the families which will take later this week in philadelphia and the president giving the pope an iron sculpture of an ascending dove, of course that being a symbol of the holy spirit. the mass due to start here in just a couple of minutes. you can see the pope inside the basilica waving, greeting everyone, just to his right, of course, that is cardinal who arely of the diocese -- cardinal worrellly of the diocese on his right. when we come back, we might be whispering a little bit because the mass will be underway at 5:00 and 6:00. we will see you then. for now reporting live in washington, dave evans, channel 7 eyewitness news. >> thank you, david. we heard about the pope high fiving people. i believe that we were going to try to get some of that video of him earlier, but, you know, this just speaks to his energy, you know, that

we also can for long slide at the basilica of st. peter and paul >> we are that beautiful choir behind you there. what's going on? >> how great were they. by the way, they were just practicing but when you come over the last commercial break, they started playing perfectly time. what a great bunch of kids and they sound just absolutely amazing. you can tell they're very well rehearsed. it really children. they're so excited to be had. plus i got a copy of theprogram. you don't see this at the basilica too often when you can open up and see who celebrating mass. his holiness pope francis is celebrating the harmony also. this is not your normal church program. they gave the media to copies. i'm initial you a little bit do you see what's happening in the front of the basilica. you can also see what's going up and down the streets, the beginning of the parkway. rosemary is in the building straight ahead. you see all the people lining the path. i think they might have a better shot to actually see the pope and get wave as he passes by. but

this is the altar on the east front of the basilica. all day long we have watched it be transformed. appears as though it's complete. in the center, they can see the pope's chair made by a local carpenter. it is simple but elegant. broughtles have been out. ready.de beautiful yellow and white flowers. we expect there is a rehearsal mass performed here tomorrow at 4:15. for the first time a pope canonizing a saint in the united states of america. all day long, we have been aeing people come to get sneak peek. many of them have tickets. don't. them but they want to be near. here is what some are telling us. >> we have been preparing for a week and a half. the university has been praying for everyone who is and is coming here and praying for the holy father. >> because i love the pope. even loves the pope. i'm catholic and i have always wanted to. i'm 66. am going to get to see pope. whoo hoo. brad: she is cheering. woman came from colorado not knowing she would have a ticket to anything. but she said last night her congressman came through

looking live at the ellipse and basilica right now. we've been telling you pope francis will be at all three locations for the first full day of the papal visit. we'll check back in with our crews in a few minutes. >>> first, facts on this afternoon's mass. 25,000 people with tickets will be there to see pope francis celebrate mass at 4:00 this afternoon. he will speak in spanish on the east side steps of the basilica. when he arrives the pope will walk across the sanctuary to the vesting area before he steps out onto the east portico for mass. crews at the basilica have been working for months to get ready for today. molette green is right there now looking into last-minute preparations. we will check in with her for a live report in about 15 minutes. you can find the latest road closures as well by searching basilica on the nbc app. >>> prepare yourself for lines, crowded trains and delays if you plan to use metro today. here are a couple things you can do, leave early. metro is already open and will be open until midnight tonight. bu

it's in between me and the basilica. hundreds of people, thousands of people have been sitting there for five, six, seven hours waiting for the one moment they got it this often. rock star status as he has been treated the whole time since he landed. cheering and screaming as the pope mobile rolled by. behind me the mass continues. the canonization mass started about 4:15. it is expected to go for another about 15, 20 minutes. maybe longer. suzanne kennedy is inside. she has been a part of the mass and listening to every step of the way. very exciting in there. there have been cheers as though there was a football game played in there. suzanne? suzanne: people were thrilled when the poem came through here not once but twice. in the pope mobile. we are an hour and a half into this mass. if you take a look behind me, we are in the portion of the mass communion is being given. portion completed in the first 20 minutes. that was the canonization. we heard in the homily a call to action if you will by the

molette green is live at the basilica shrine of the immaculate conception. last-minute press stop there? >> reporter: yes, good morning, eun, to you. we're outside the east portico. it looks like we're all set and ready to go. i'm going to step out of the way so you can see the altar behind me ready for the mass coming this afternoon. you can see some of the many thousands of chairs as well as my photographer pulls out. they are set up. set up for the 25,000 who have tickets. this is a ticket only event. at this early hour the secret service is still on campus doing sweeps. we're hearing the public can start arriving and will be able to start coming in around 8:00 a.m. among the faithful, of course, attending this historic event, a large number of hispanic catholics. much of the ceremony, as you already mentioned, in spanish. then of course a large group from california and then overnight the arch diocese of washington reached the 100,000 mark in the walk with francis pledge to follow the pope's example of service and prayer. so great expectations for the ev

as he enters the basilica. ere's been spontaneous singing, we've heard clapping, swell. people are here feeding off the energy of each other in logan square. people em who don't have -- people who don't have tickets are hoping to see him. i spoke to one woman from mount laurel. her mother is here from brazil. she said this visit so special and what it means to as many people. >> it's a dream to see the pope, because my mom come from brazil for this movement. we come very early get the train to be here, to see like 15 seconds is great. >> reporter: and back here live in logan square we're looking down the parkway toward city hall. there's security and i felt people lining the parkway, as well. definitely seeing more and more people as its gotten later here, it's going to be a long day, some of them brought chairs to make the wait more comfortable. some of them walked more than an hour to get here. we'll see people walk from new jersey from all around the city. they will be here to see pope francis in person, it's

we'll get back to you shortly at the basilica. quite a day it has been for the pope on this visit to washington. we are going to recap the day. right now we'll go back to the service. >> translator: glory to you, lord jesus christ. ♪ >> and now they will read the gospel, the gospel according to matthew. monsignor, this will be read in spanish. and we anticipate you may hear the translation at home in english. if not, we can bring you through that. that's what we're here for. again, this is so symbolic in many ways. he's handing off the holy book to a deacon to read this gospel, right, monsignor? >> and it's the book that the deacon is carrying this moment, literally called "the book of the gospels," it contains our holiest christian texts. >> what is the message out of this gospel, monsignor? >> i referred to it a couple times. this is the conclusion of matthew's gospel. we don't have 12 apostles now, we have 11, because judas has betrayed him and christ has risen from the dead. this is the commissioning of the 11 where he passes h

at the basilica of the national shrine of the immaculate conception, pope francis has entered the basilica but has not proceeded down the aisle yet for this mass. the first canonization on u.s. soil today, today he will canyon none size and 18th century theologian. we are awaiting the pope's procession down that aisle and will be continuing to cover this for you during our newscast and throughout the day here on 6 abc. and once we see the pope we'll bring you back live and many of you that are planning to see the pope in philadelphia, are packing for what could be a long day on the parkway. you may be wondering what you can and cannot bring with you. nora muchanic has the list. >> first in a lifetime, we'll try, i don't know how far we'll get but we are going to try. >> these mothers brought their children to the ben franklin parkway to get the lay of the land to see what they need to know when they come to see the pope this weekend. >> i see they have water out and i would love to bring lunches, i don't know how much you can bring. >> you can bring in coolers but they have to be soft pack

matthew's cathedral and a huge mass at the basilica. the pope's visit is providing some unique opportunities for local businessowners, but the process also comes with a distinct set of challenges. news 4's meagan fitzgerald reports. >> reporter: many local businesses like palace florist behind us here say they are providing a significant role as pope francis visits d.c. but they say they're only able to provide these services because they've maintained a flawless reputation and had to go through a rigorous application process. being part of pope francis' historic event is exciting but when your work will be seen by millions of people, businessowners like lee herman say it's more of an honor. >> leaves, roses, and it's a lot. a couple truck loads. >> reporter: herman is the owner of palace florist and it will be his arrangements that will decorate the altar where pope francis will celebrate mass. he says to be selected, he had to apply to the basilica, but they were already familiar with his work. >> we've done the flowers for the basilic

right now we are on the east side of the basilica. at this time tomorrow about 4:00 there will be 15 to 20,000 people standing back there watching and will being as pope francis says mass in spanish. the canonization mass. they're doing the preps now, very meticulous preps. you are hearing the music, most of it latin music. you are seeing relics being placed on the alter. every little detail, they're going through back there. part of the arrangement to even be sitting here is we can't show you up close what they're doing. they want that to be kept secret until the pope himself is prepared to say this high mass back here. as we said, throughout the city on every roadway beginning at andrews air base, lots of crowds to greet the pope, a lot of anticipation for his arrival. it was not a disappointment to say the least. now the 78 year old upon testify is resting at the vatican embassy. andrea is live. >> reporter: bruce, the pope is now settled in for the night, we assume here at the vatican embassy in northwest washington after an extrao

at the basilica it will be a great day to be there. have your sun block on. full sunshine and even though today is the equinox, 12 hours of day and night, sun is strong enough to burn you. no rain for today or tomorrow but that does change as we get towards the weekend. rain chances back late friday night, very late probably after sundown friday night. rain is likely on your saturday and probably into your sunday morning as well. today and tomorrow will be the best two of the next seven. melissa? >> all right. right now of course we have a lot of road closures downtown. going to be tweeting about them all day from @first 4 traffic. 15th street on pennsylvania avenue, northbound massachusetts avenue going to be shut down through tomorrow. of course right there in front of the vatican embassy, vre. those lines we still have some delays. they are done with the security sweep. metro is honoring tickets. 20 to 30 minute delay. university boulevard, it's slow because of a crash on 66. no problems in prince gorges county. top of the beltway looking good. volume there

i am in a bus with journalists, arriving at the basilica of st. peter and paul. i'm on the move. excuse me if i'm moving a little bit. it was a very short flight. a lot of you were probably wondering about how pope francis was doing after sturm believing on the steps several times. i asked. i didn't get an answer as to what happened. but we did see him get off the plane and continue walking. so it appears that he is fine but i will continue to ask and see if i get any further explanation as to how pope francis is doing and if it is just because he is a little tired or if it is anything else, for sure. i will continue. >> as much as possible this morning, we really want to bring you the sights and remarkable sounds of this visit. let's listen in to the children's choir outside the basilica. snoit ♪ ♪ >>> i want to bring in father edward back and our vatican correspondent, delia gallagher. in terms of this mass, it is going to be a pretty straightforward catholic mass? >> what's different. just like in every other city, this mass is just for bishops, priests, and religious men and

and also on the grounds of the basilica is a knotted grotto. e sister heads the world meeting of families committee on hunger and homelessness. i spoke to her earlier this week in washington. she had tickets to be on the lawn of the white house during the official state welcome in washington. she told me that she along with the tens of thousands of people who have tied those ribbons on to the grot tto, they are all hoping the pope will bless the grotto when he's here, the first opportunity for that may happen before 10:30 this morning when the pope is at the basilica to say the private mass. just to give you some pack ground, first of all, the ribbons express people's struggles. so as you mentioned people's prayers, what they hope that pope tran sis will be able to bless when he comes through here. also i should tell you that the g grotto was inspired by the pope himself. he has a deep devote to the blessed mother and other parts of the world known as mary, the undoer of knots. people hoping the pope will pass by them along the fated sidewalks,

he's had a grueling schedule while here and next stop at the basilica. he is going to ride behind us in the popemobile sort of through the crowd. people will get a chance to see him before he heads inside. the basilica is absolutely stunning. it was finished in 1969 and in 1979 when pope john paul ii visited it elevated it it from shrine to basilica and inside the work is amazing. largest roman catholic facility in north america and one of the ten largest houses of worship. we'll hear from him in 45 minutes. he's a little behind on schedule but making up time and getting here for the celebration of mass. >> that was his downtime or was supposed to be. when the schedule got behind he lost some of his, i don't know, hissy he that time. not the first pope to visit the basilica but this mass, i'm told, shannon, will be different. how? >> it will be. he is the third pope to visit here at the basilica. it is on the campus of the catholic university. a lot of youthful energy and the students have been working for months an really all week volunteering helping to

there's our first big picture there, outside the basilica. hurch in north america. one of the top ten largest in the country. pope francis is sitting at center of the lectern wearing the mitre in the bigger chair to the left of the screen. let's listen in. >> brothers and sisters, rejoice in the lord always. as i say it again, rejoice. your kindness should be known to all, the lord is near. have no anxiety at all and everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving. make your request known to god, then the peace of god that surpasses our understanding with all of your hearts and mind in christ jesus. finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things, keep on doing what you have received and heard and seen in me, then a god of peace will be with you. [ speaking foreign language ] >> word of the lord. >> continuing to watch the canonization mass takin

what is the feeling there in front of the basilica? >> it is a feeling of peace, it's a feeling of family. it is such a beautiful morning here. as you can see. members of the philadelphia archdiocese are arriving behind me. believe it or not, everybody has been applauding for them, so you can only imagine what they will do when pope francis arrivals. so much beautiful energy here today, and we just got an advanced copy of the mass program for today. this is a mass in honor of our blessed mother, which is why it says magnificat at the top. it is a beautiful program from the basilica of saints peter and paul. and you see his holiness, pope francis is the celebrant. and delivering the homily in his native language, spanish, this morning. there are 2,000 people who will have a seat inside of the cathedral basilica of saints peter and paul. and i had a chance to speak with the director here and he told me that he wants this basilica to shine this morning. >> we worked hard. >> you can see it. >> and we're ready. ♪ >> ready for the holy fathe

the basilica, the mass that will take place, that weather looks good starting around noon, 80 degrees at 3:00. 6:00, quite nice, 79. wile have more on today's rain and the chances for more possible rain later in the week. >> all right, doug. >>> first at 4, an alexandria man is accused in this morning's shooting in a home in the hybla valley area. police say two men had been in argument. the name of the victim has not been released. >>> the fbi is looking for two men who disguised themselves and pulled off a major jewelry heist in rockville. they're offering a $5,000 reward. the men walked into the store on veirs mill road on tuesday. one had a fake beard, the other was covered in a robe. they got away with more than $100,000 worth of jewelry. >>> republican presidential candidate ben carson now under heavy scrutiny. the calls for him to drop out of the rate is growing louder. why the campaign says he was misunderstood. >>> our papal visit >>> keep the umbrella handy, we'll need it for a while longer. and yes, roads are wet, so traffic had been impacted somewhat for the evening. take

everyone at the basilica aware of the history being made. the first time pope francis has celebrated mass in the united states. and the first-ever canonization on u.s. soil. >> junipero serra -- [ non- english language ] >> reporter: the new saint is junipero serra, an 18th century franciscan who evangelized californians. some claim he destroyed native cultures and he spread christianity. >> who doesn't have flaws? who doesn't have imperfections? and the fact that somebody like that can be canonized there's hope for all of us. [ non-english language ] >> reporter: the love in the crowd for pope francis was palpable. his message of mercy and serving others resonating with all including this young woman from the pope's homeland argentina. >> just elated. and then, you know, it's amazing to have him here in this city and ought messages given to the americans and to the world. >> reporter: many are wearing bracelets to make a difference large or small in someone's life. the pope's call to serve the poor. >> he calls us to live the gospel in its

father tom: the other thing about the basilica is a wonderful expression of the universality of the church. it's named in honor of our lady, basilica of the shrine of the immaculate conception. that is one title of mary. each nationality has a way to honor mary. for example in mexico, the patrons of mexico is the lady of guadalupe. there is a shrine of the lady of guadalupe. every nationality has its way to honor the mother of god. each nationality has its own title for the mother of god. there is a place for that cultural expression within one building. god's people is a diversity of people for every land and nation. unique way that the culture honor the lady in this church. leon: this is conveyed in all the theology. alison: let's head out now to jonathan elias who is there still at the theological college across the street. jonathan, i understand you have someone there to speak with. jonathan: i do, alison. i'm with father ez.eka with the vatican. he travels the the pope. you con conley -- con congratulated him after he was elected. tell me about the trip. >> this was a man who didn't l

this is a live look at the basilica of the national shrine of the immaculate conception. during mass the pontiff a friar, sarah, who was first hispanic to be named a saint and first person to be elevated to sainthood inside of the united states. >>> the mass has just been part of the full day of events in our nation's capitol that included a speech at the white house. good evening, i'm ukee washington. >>> i'm jessica dean. the as pontiff addressed the faithful we are counting down the days until he arrives here in philadelphia for the world meeting of families. we have full team three coverage for you tonight and it begins in washington d.c. with todd quinones, todd? >> reporter: well, jessica it is quite the remarkable view here behind me, the the crowd of some 25,000 are on hand, here, to soak up the word of the holy father. during mass here, this evening, pope francis proclaimed that jesus says go out and in my name, embrace life as it is and not as you think it should be. thousands cheered wildly as pope francis rolled through the streets of the nation's capitol. fra

you see the basilica right there. of these folks have a front row seat for when the poem arrives this morning. i can tell you, i do expect to see more of a crowd here at this hour. i was in washington a couple days ago, and by this hour, there were at least a few thousands people all lined up waiting to see the pope come out of the capital building. right here you see most of the crowds just lined up at this point, and so this is what they've been doing, some of them are camping out. they have blankets, they have food, and they are lounging out, just waiting for pope francis to make his arrival here to philadelphia later on this morning. >> matt, what about the security? what's the presence like of the national guard and others out there? >> reporter: well, pretty much everywhere you turn there are security guards, police officers, uniformed, and i imagine officers that are not inup form patrolling the streets out here. you see out there in the distance there's a golf cart going around here. we just saw three or four

we're live at the basilica, katherine scott channel6 "action news." a. >> katherine thank you. >>> philadelphia schools will be closed monday because of the pope. the district made that announcement last night. the decision also means spring break will be shortened. classes will now be held monday march 21st as a makeup day. because of the jewish holiday tomorrow and the previous decision to close for the pope on thursday and friday today is the last day of school in philadelphia for a week. >>> officials are trying to sell camden as the gateway to the pope. originally 8500 parking spaces along the riverfront were being reserved for buses that would be bringing in visitors but many of those buses never booked. association passes for the parking spots are now being sold online for $40 a day. >> when you drive into route 676 into camden you show your pass to a police officer and you'll be directed right to the waterfront in camden. >> from there people can take the fer tree philadelphia or if they're feeling up to it they can walk across the ben franklin

. >>> welcome back to the basilica of the national shrine of the immaculate conception. i'm andrea roane. cheerful crowds, excited crowds greeted pope francis at joint base andrews yesterday. today tens of thousands are expected to line d.c. streets all in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the pontiff. today is packed with events beginning with a welcome ceremony at the white house. that meeting with president obama is scheduled to begin around 9:15. from there the pope is scheduled to have his parade around the ellipse at 11:00 a.m. as you heard from mike hydeck a little while ago, they're -- there are already scores of people there waiting to see the pope. at 11:30 he plans to visit st. matthew's cathedral for a midday prayer event. then the mass of canonization of junipero serra is scheduled for 4:15 here at the national shrine. as i said it's looking more and more like an altar in a church. it looks so beautiful this morning. i'm so glad we can bring this shot to you right now so you can see what will be happening later on. the canonization of junipero serra is causin

pope francis leaving the basilica here just moments ago. ng his day, heading for >>. >>> a historic day in washington, d.c. pope francis can >>> silent protests held at the site of junipero serra final resting place. >>> and new controversy over drinking on the job at the san francisco fire department. >>> federal help for those affected by the devastating valley fire. what fema will give the most needy. >> today, we remember the joy of the gospel in these lands. father junipero serra. >> a historic ceremony in washington, d.c. pope francis called junipero serra a defender of native americans. good evening, i'm dan ashley. >> i'm cheryl jennings. >> reporter: and i'm ama daetz live in washington, d.c. covering the pope ease historic visit to the united states. 25,000 people attended the historic canonization today of the hispanic priest that established nine of the 22 missions in california. it was the first canonization on u.s. soil, seen as controversial by some who say the mission enslaved native americans and spread diseases that killed

this was taken after the mass inside the basilica. the indians were invited to meet pope francis alone. he said it was a proud moment. he kissed the poem's hand and ring. saying it was magical. >> he came in. quietly. and went one by one, there was a translator whispering what we said, and then he greeted everyone. i got two rosaries and then i thanked him. and then i said holy father, can you come to san francisco. >> reporter: he says he would like pope francis to come to california so he could look at all of the missions. he wants to go on a tour with him because he was trying to raise money to revamp the missions. you can see this is the basilica. most of the people are gone. they are beginning to leave. this is the platform right here. flip around here and we will show you. this is where the media was. and as you can see most people are gone. some people have live shots they will be doing across the country. we met people from everywhere and a lot of us are tired. this was a long day but pope francis showed quite a bit of stamina.

they wanted to be part of this, came to the basilica of sts. peter and paul, and that's where our walt hunter is still live for us, is there still a great sense of what just happened. >> reporter: it's amazing, the thousands of people who came here when the pope left. when they knew he had left after the mass, these people aren't leaving. this was so magical, it's almost as if they want to stay and they just don't want the feeling to end. there was such a tremendous feeling of pope here today. it began in the faces of the people we saw many traveled from other countries. many traveled thousands of miles, some stayed overnight coming in the early morning. hoped they would see the pope and they did on the way into the basilica. hope that things would change, when they heard the pope's words. and in the end, again, even after he had left, hoped that somehow the magic, the feeling, the charisma, what the pope brought to this city and this religion on this day would somehow linger and just stay forever. really, wonderful words at the mass, including

he then goes right to the basilica for a private mass. iday includes a speech independence mall and parade down the parkway to the festival of families. on sunday the pope begins his day at the seminary where he'll be staying. then to the prison. speak with prisoners and family members and corrections officers. the prisoners are building a chair to give as a gift to st. francis. the pope has been an advocate for prisoners and outspoken opponent of the death penalty and long prison terms. then it's time for main event after a second parade down the parkway pope francis will hold mass at the philadelphia art museum. up to a million people are expected to watch from around center city. jumbo trons going up. count on nbc 10's complete coverage live in philadelphia. >> live for pope's events both on air and online. nbc 10's team of reporters will be fanned out across the city and the suburbs to keep you up to date on security, traffic and other impacts of the pope's visit. the nbc 10 news app, we want to mention this. it's a great source of inf

people from around the world were at the parade and basilica. many told our surae chinn they just wanted to be part of history. >> welcome to the usa! >> pope francis, all the way from chicago! >> reporter: the singing and the signs all to show their love for pope francis. the crowd chants we feel, we see the pope is present. >> to see the pope and like pray for him and tell him to pray for us, too. >> we got up at 1:30 in the morning to drive him from mission, virginia, my sister and i. they drove all wait from chicago, left yesterday at 11:00. >> we can't wait to see him. >> reporter: people have lined both sides of constitution avenue. many have traveled very far to see the holy father. >> it's like a chance for all of us to get together and just celebrate whatever like catholicism. >> reporter: and you traveled all the way from where? >> from michigan. >> reporter: the young and old and everyone in between want to be in the presence of the pope. >> he's the head of the church. >> reporter: for some it's a deep keck of faith towards the pope a

let's go back to the cathedral basilica. re lined up and they are waiting for one more moment to be able to see the the holy father. our walt hunter is out there keeping an eye on things as he weights for these priest and vest. s, it seems like a never ending line of individuals, coming out of the cathedral. i love when you see pope on the stick they have cartoon and photos of the pope francis, waving, service of the basilica of the saints peter and paul. you can see there, a live shot of the in front of the basilica, people are waiting for the mote the or cade to pass by. you can see the pope francis banners that the city installed on the light poles and along ben franklin parkway, waving, and just in. we could not have asked for better weather today, it is not too hot, and overcast, a and there is a breeze, you know, you wouldn't want, 95-degree heat wave, while he is here. >> i think the fact that there was real concern because here in philadelphia and any september day you can get a lot of heat and humidity, and there has

that is the latest live here from the basilica. lette green, news 4. >>> today is pope francis' last day in cuba before making his historic visit to the u.s. before leaving the country, the pope visited a shrine very special to cubans last night. he prayed at the virnlgin of charity in santiago. it is 403 years ole. today, the pontiff will hold mass at the shrine's sanctuary and meet with families at santiago cathedral. his last official act in cuba will be blessing the city from the cathedral's balcony. count on news 4 to cover all aspects of the papal visit on air, online and on your nbc washington app. before you head out today, check out our list of road closures and tips from the pros on riding metro. search pope commute after you open our app. >>> 11 before the hour. now to decision 2016 and another shake-up among the republican candidates in the race for president next year. as one is surging, another is stepping out of the race. halle jackson joining us live now from the other end of the studios here in washington with a loo

see himwait to tomorrow at the mass of the basilica. an awesome time and opportunity for the city and the country. sam: okay. a lot of catholics around the city, here in southeast everywhere.nd that is the situation from here. sam fordson, reporting live. back to you. alison: okay, sam. we saw the fiat. very good. thank you so much. leon: all right. boy, this has been so much fun to watch. it will be more enlightening to get the perspective of lotle here who know a more about the pope and what is planned for the next few days than we know. by father, from the parish in germantown. glad to have you with us. had are with us when we special that aired last week. we talked then in advance of the trip about what to expect here.at it's what do you think? father: well, he just landed thatook how exciting was. it's amazing that so many anple were watching airplane land. thrilling.ng it is watch the kid, the people who had a chance to watch the linenal and the bishops up. look how happy everybody was. it was exciting. reactionhat is your to pope

we're live at the basilica, katherine scott, channel6 "action news." a and tam. >> katherine thank you. >>> for the first time pope francis will step foot in the united states soon. he arrives in washington, d.c. later today. >> so exciting. but before his historic trip here pope francis toured more of cuba and took some time to preach positivity. >> "action news" reporter erin o'hearn is at the big board with details. good morning, erin. >> reporter: good morning. the anticipation and excitement continues to build as pope francis ends his visit to cuba today with a mass before flying to washington for the start of his u.s. tour. francis' four day trip focused on encouraging reconciliation within families and between the u.s. and cuba. he worked behind the scenes as a mediator in 18 months of secret talks on reestablishing diplomatic relations between the two nations. meanwhile washington, d.c. and new york city are busy he as is philadelphia prepping for the arrival of the pope with very tight security. this afternoon he will be welcomed by president o

we won't see the pope because he went out the side door of the basilica on the other side of the chapelim to the parking lot it's way out of our view behind the area where, w the gratto is. but, again, as people start to file out of here we'll get a chance to talk to some of them so we'll have a wrap up of some of what people felt and saw and experienced on this day here at the special special mass along the parkway at the cathedral basilica of saints peter and paul. back to you guys there. >> joyce, come on now. you saw a pope today. up close. how did it feel? >> reporter: we saw him! we saw him! >> you know what, i'm not catholic but both elaine -- elaine fisher and i are out he here, and we couldn't say a word, and then once it was over, we just look at each other and went wow! >> yeah. >> wow! couple that? i mean, if we were good rock 34 and it's not advicable to throw rock at the pope -- >> no. >> we were that close. >> i know. >> we were that close. >> that's beautiful. >> yes. i mean it was right there. >> you'll never forget it. >> you see those folks over there. it was right th

soprano is one of 90 choir members tapped to sing for pope francis when he celebrates mass at the basilicathe national shrine of the immaculate conception this afternoon. >> we have to be in control and remember everything that i've learned in all of my schooling to try to do my absolute best. >> reporter: conductors chose singers to reflect the diversity of the catholic church in the u.s. a mass held outside for 25,000 people who scored a ticket. and then tomorrow, pope francis will deliver the first-ever papal address to a joint meeting of congress. we expect him to talk about reconciliation with cuba, ways to care for the poor, religious freedom, and climate change. these are issues dear to the pope, but also extremely timely here in the u.s. >> indeed. weijia jiang in washington, thank you. >>> security is tighter in new york city ahead of the pope's visit. police set up security cameras along central park where 80,000 people will gather friday for the pope's procession. barricades have been installed throughout the city. 6,000 nypd officers will work to make sure that pope francis is

the pope will hold mass at the basilica. the shrine of the immaculate conception on the campus of catholic university. canonization mass for junipero serra. that's coming up live this afternoon here on c-span at 4:00 p.m. eastern. and also on c-span radio and c-span.org as well. the pope, pope francis, his first trip ever to the united states. but he becomes the fourth pope to visit the united states in an official capacity anyway. the third to meet with the president in the united states. it's the 10th time a pope -- a papal visit has happened in the u.s. pope john paul -- pope paul vi was the first in 1965 with lyndon johnson. and benedict xvi the most when president bush was in office. the morning started for pope francis in northwest washington. the papal embassy, his departure there where he greeted crowds before his short trip to the white house. [cheers and applause] >> pope francis this morning leaving the vatican embassy on embassy road just northwest of the white house. and making his way to this morning's ceremony.

from there it was on to mass at the basilica of st. peter and paul to take time to recharge the spirit for the day ahead. the pontiff received a welcome. his motorcade left for independence mall, we were able to capture a quick glimpse and wave. then he was in his element among the people. and during his speech, he praised our nation's tradition of tolerance. it was time for the blessing and celebration by all measures what was a triumph. and 30 minutes ago, the festival wrapped up for the day with a bang. tonight's concert ended with fireworks over the museum of art. the philadelphia orchestra provided the accompaniment. let's look at ben franklin parkway, a little high up to see people leaving the area. but it is happening. we have blanketed the area give you every vantage point of the papal visit. brian and sharrie are along the parkway. all had a front row seat to the festival of families the pontiff spoke about immigration and religious freedom. trish hartman is with those hoping to catch a police officers of the hol how -- a gle o

by some estimates, 25,000 aflt the basilica this afternoon. crowds stretching all the way to the hair rison there. what is it about this pope? the crowds began forming early this morning. pope francis on his way to the white house. cheers erupting the moment the crowd spots him. bypassing his little compact blessing them, as they cheer, "papa!" one girl, in tears, as she reaches out to the pope -- he touches her face, too. the president of a local jesuit school getting a moment to talk with the pope. the pope asking him to pray for him, in english, practicing before his trip. >> pray for me. >> i will. >> don't forget -- >> i won't. >> i need -- >> i promise, i promise. every day. >> reporter: shortly after 11:00 a.m., in the popemobile -- that white jeep wrangler, open on both sides. driving down constitution avenue, signs reading "we love the pope", "god bless you pope francis." the people's pope giving a thumbs up and blessing the a member of the security detail walks over to the crowd and picks up a baby boy, carrying him to pope francis --

what a beautiful site that is inside of the basilica. the pope has seen magnificent churches since he's been here. in washington, and of course st. patrick's cathedral in new york which recently has been restored. finished an extraordinary and very expensive renovation. if they are singing in this video, can we hear this? i don't imagine he will see a more beautiful place of worship than when he steps inside of saints peter and paul. 1864 they completed this church which was still during the civil war. and it was also during serious anti-catholic period. sear us an anti-catholic riots. >>the windows are not low where people can break the windows. >> and the people charged with designing this cathedral would stand outside and throw rocks as high as they could against the structure at that point of the cathedral. and where the rocks couldn't get any higher, that's where they put the windows. and finally during the renovation in 1957 they put the beautiful stained glass windows farther down. but it was a very difficult time when they built t

but the gathering is getting bigger here outside the basilica. people wandering around logan square. more and more people are standing there hoping to catch a glimpse of the pope when he comes here in several hours to celebrate mass. people are here and they want to see him. they said it would make their trip from around the world to philadelphia worthwhile. in the last half-hour we've heard singing coming out of the crowd. people are singing hymns. they have traveled the globes for the powerful moments of the people of faith. they are gathering with pilgrims from around the world. this is has been a popular spot to hang out this morning, because there are concession stands from around here, and benches in the area of the square. so this has been a popular spot to grab breakfast, many have made their ways from their homes and hotels through the security checkpoints up the parkway. as you can see as you look down the parkway, the beautiful view of city hall people are enjoying this morning. some came for the meeting of family and have been here all

one of the places we will visit soon the basilica. our jonathan elias is standing by as even waits for the next steps. jonathan? jonathan: the pope made such a statement on the tarmac at joint base andrews. in his exhortations at the vatican when he talk about the church, the cardinals, the bishop, everybody has to lead by example. he leads by example without saying anything. getting into a fia tab. he could have any car made in the world by any manufacturer, ferrari or a lamborghini. he wants a fiat. to live simply. that is his message when he talked to the bishops and the cardinals about but everything else. want to bring in father brown, rector at the theological college. you met the pope before, pope francis. you spoke to him in italian he struggles in english. what did he do? >> he responded to me in was veryhich gracious. his english was somewhat halting but he took the meuble to try to speak to in english and that made me comfortable and warm and to thehis hospitality people. jonathan: a short time ago i heard leon on the set an

a live like at the basilica this morning. >> also ahead, making sure an balance is ready to help you if you have an emergency. the changes d.c. leaders are pushing for after several slow responses. >>> plt clear skies as you look at our live picture from the national harbor this morning. the story today is air quality. how bad conditions could get in ♪ >>> the countdown is on for pope francis's arrival in d.c. and final prep rags are under way at the basilica to make sure his visit goes off without any problem. plus what it will take to get a ticket to hear the pope. but first. >>> air quality that you'll want to know about. take a look at this. before you get ready for the day ahead, it is code orange. chuck bell has more on this and your hour-by-hour planning. good morning, chuck. >> still about 21 minutes from now. you can see there's a little gunkiness out in the atmosphere early this morning. that stagnated air sitting right on top of us again. out-the-door weather this morning temperatures in the low 50s and 60s. might need a layer of fleece. it's shorts and t-shirts later on th

>> it is said that he will be vesting in the east port co-of the basilica. s where junipiro serra is represented in a mosaic as are some of the other canonized american saints. i suspect he will make a stop, if he has time, at the pope pious x relics there. this is a pope who approved the basilica in 1913 and even donated some money for it and pope francis is said to have had a special devotion to him. he was praying at the x chapel in the vatican when he went to mass just as an ordinary congregant one time this summer. >> there is a woman very patient with us named sister mary scalian, standing by in washington. sister scalian was at the white house meeting today, most notably co-chair of the world meeting of families hung and homeless committee. sister, thank you for being so patient with us. and tell us about your interest, your life's work, your field and how it shapes your interest in the pope's visit. >> we are just thrilled to have pope francis come to our country. i think when i saw him get off the plane yesterday here in d.c., we were moved to tears,