UNITED STATES: PREPARATIONS BEGIN IN ST. LOUIS FOR FORTHCOMING TWO-DAY VISIT OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

Record ID: 336918

  • Title: UNITED STATES: PREPARATIONS BEGIN IN ST. LOUIS FOR FORTHCOMING TWO-DAY VISIT OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
  • Date: 23rd January 1999
  • Summary: ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) (JANUARY 24, 1999) 1. GV GATEWAY ARCH WITH BASILICA OF SAINT LOUIS THE KING IN FOREGROUND 0.05 2. VARIOUS OF SUNDAY MASS/ CANDLES/ CHURCH SERVICE (9 SHOTS) 1.03 3. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE LEAVING CHURCH (2 SHOTS) 1.18 4. CU (SOUNDBITE) (ENGLISH) UNIDENTIFIED PARISHIONER S
  • Embargoed: 7th February 1999 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, UNITED STATE
  • City:
  • Country: USA
  • Reuters ID: LVAE22MRSIZB8CRFO0C7MNDAWZF3
  • Story Text: Preparations have begun in earnest Monday (January 25)
    as the people of St.Louis ready themselves for the two-day
    visit of Pope John Paul II.

    Streets were blocked off and workmen scrambled to
    finish projects Monday (January 25) around the city of St.

    Louis before the papal visit of John Paul II.The Pope is
    scheduled to arrive Tuesday from Mexico City for a sentimental
    two-day visit.

    In the shadow of the cities landmark Gateway Arch,
    parishioners gathered at th Basilica of Saint Louis Sunday for
    a final mass before the visit.The cathedral, was crowded with
    many more than the average number of attendees.Several
    parishioners told Reuters Television that the Pope's visit was
    inspiring them to renew their faith.

    Workmen were up and on the streets early Monday morning
    putting up signs and restraining barriers along the parade
    route being prepared for the Papal visit.Many businesses
    along the route through the downtown were ambivalent about the
    visit, though.Many hung signs welcoming the Pope, and were
    busy preparing for the several hundred thousand potential
    customers that are expected to line the streets for a glimpse
    of the Pope.But others were upset that roads and access would
    be cut off for two days for security purposes.

    Outside the Cathedral Basilica of St.Louis, where the Pope
    is expected to hold evening prayer on Wednesday night, workmen
    were installing bullet-proof glass around the front steps.

    Increased security could be seen all around town as the Secret
    Service swept event sites and caravans of police patrolled
    city streets.

    Bishop Michael Sheridan, who heads the Saint Louis Parish,
    told Reuters that they expect a very large turnout for all the
    events.He said that all the parisshioners were "on pins and
    needles" for the visit, and that the event would be especially
    poignant as many felt that it may be the last time the
    78-year-old pontiff will have a chance to visit the United
    States due to declining health.


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