Metro prepares for the Pope’s visit

By Lillian Kafka

Published: April 15, 2008

This story has been updated here.
“Avoid the unholy traffic. Take Metro.”

Metro launched a YouTube video to prepare Pope Benedict XVI fans for their Metrorail journey to the Nationals Stadium on April 17. That’s where the Pope is scheduled to attend a Papal Mass at 10 a.m.

Parking near the stadium is scarce and mass ticket holders are advised that the best way to travel to the Papal Mass is by Metro to Navy Yard. Tickets are no longer available, but there are other chances to see the Pope as he tours Washington and New York, according to the Archdiocese of Washington.

“Remember, let people off of the train before you try to get on,” the narrator tells viewers of the video, which stars a Pope bobblehead doll.

The doll is shown practicing common Metro etiquette such as staying to the right of the escalators as he rides to the top.

The real Pope is visiting Washington, D.C. April 17 as part of an east coast U.S. visit that he hopes will be seen as a “fraternal gesture” toward all Christian denominations, and a “sign of friendship” toward all other religions, reported the Associated Press.

Watch the video here.