As Preparations Continue For Pope Francis' Visit To Philadelphia, Questions Remain
By Pat Ciarrocchi
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Preparations continue for Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia -- it's now just a little over eight weeks away.
Concern is rising about security and just how much of an impact the visit will have on those who live and work in Philadelphia.
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway -- and the Pope.
Keeping him safe and giving him the access he wants. It's the biggest challenge of the Secret Service and all its law enforcement partners.
"Those are two fairly defined extremes. Somewhere in between, we will have an appropriate level of security and a great level of access," said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.
Perimeters, secure zones and access may not be made fully public until as late as three weeks before Pope Francis lands on Philly soil.
The push and pull of information around the Secret Service has had some nashing their teeth.
But not Sara Hertz, the Vice President of Museum Operations at the Academy of Natural Sciences who has been in meetings with the Secret Service.
"They're not mandating whether we open or close in any way," said Hertz.
But with the museum at 19th Street at Logan Circle, barely a block from the front steps of the Cathedral Basilica where the Pope will celebrate his first mass, there will be no viewing of the dinosaurs on the papal weekend.
The cultural institutions and the businesses within blocks of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will decide individually when to be open and when to be closed.
In a rare move, the Secret Service coping with questions issued a news release. It reads in part:
"It is important to note that the Secret Service does not force businesses to close during National Special Security Events or during any other protective functions. The City of Philadelphia has repeatedly stated that it will be open for business during this event."
With a million and a half people expected to stretch between the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Independence Mall, businesses, residents and visitors will all need to be blessed with some patience during the papal weekend.
