![]() ![]() The area from Girard to Tasker (Greater Center City) had slightly more residents–around 172,000 in the 1980s compared to roughly 176,000 in 2015–but it supports a significantly higher total number of people driving to work–from 17,000 in the 1980s to around 32,000 today. In 1979, Center City had fewer people driving to work, both by value and by proportion, than today. Peter’s Square in Vatican City far greater measures have been taken to secure the leader of the Catholic Church. However, since the assassination attempt in 1981 against John Paul II in St. Center City contained fewer cars at the time and traffic restrictions were placed on only a few key places. Police in Philadelphia did not detect any specific potential threats from people or vehicles so security was limited to select event areas. The Archdiocese was eventually required to reimburse the City $150,000 for the costs of assembling the extravagantly festooned stage. It was reserved for ticket holders whose passes had varying colors dictating how close one could get to the Pope’s podium. The stage itself was the center of a lawsuit regarding the separation of church and state, due to Mayor Frank Rizzo’s promise to spare no expense on the City’s dime. The stage erected on Logan Square, the most exclusive space during the October, 1979 event, was the only area closed off to the general public. Source: Mayor’s Office, City of Philadelphia Security perimeters included a relatively small number of closed streets, shown around the Parkway in the image below.įor comparison, here is what the security perimeter looks like for the Pope Francis visit. Yet, in 1979 there was no division into outer and inner zones. Pope John Paul II’s visit brought 1.5 to 2 million people to the city and are the same numbers predicted for the Pope Francis events this weekend. The boundary of the security perimeter constitutes much of Center City and it is divided into concentrically stricter zones where driving is not permitted, where cars are not allowed at all, public screening areas, and event perimeters only accessible to event pass holders. The extent of the security barrier being installed around Pope Francis’ public appearances is the most passionately discussed topic of this week’s papal visit. By comparing population and transportation data we will explore what has changed in 36 years and what to expect. These measures are much more stringent than those taken by the city in 1979, when Pope John Paul II came to Philadelphia. For locals, going about their daily routine from within and outside of the security boundaries–from South Street to Girard Avenue and 38th Street to the Delaware River–by car and train is a growing anxiety. We’re all quite aware that getting in and out of the city will be difficult maneuvering the network of security perimeters once inside the various event zones will pose an even greater challenge. Over the next five days an estimated 1.5 million travelers will enter Philadelphia to take part in the World Meeting of Families and to see Pope Francis. Pope Francis welcome signs cover City Hall and much of Center City | Photo: Michael Bixler ![]()
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