Faith and perseverance were the two things kept me going as I prepared for and worked for Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States as pontiff. During his visit, he would be breaking new ground in this country with two historical events within its capital city. The moment I knew Pope Francis was visit, I was going to work hard to be ready to cover it and be there for his history-making: the first canonization on U.S. soil and the first papal speech to a joint session of Congress. People who knew me, including my wife and my mother, just assumed I’d do it.
Of course, I’m gonna do it — well, try to do it. The odds were pretty bad from the beginning. There were going to be significantly fewer spots, tighter security, and a more frantic schedule than in 2008. Oh, and 8,000 people would be applying for credentials.
This was serious camel-needle stuff right here. How was I, a freelancer for small Catholic media outlets, going to succeed in covering my third papal event? The major outlets and Vatican Press were going to gobble up a bunch of real estate on their own. It was becoming impossible. But there’s something about me that looks at something differently when I’m told words like “impossible … not gonna happen … there’s nothing we can do.”
That’s when I start problem-solving. I’ve prepared to make everything go right and it was starting to go wrong. There’s a way and I need to find it.
The short of the long is that the faith and support of my family and friends along with my perseverance and granular hope that this could work and I will be where I told my editors I’d be … worked. My wife kept me positive and took over our lives the week of his visit. My mother prayed a lot and got others to do so too. My father-in-law, a Franciscan monk, petitioned the Blessed Mother regarding my very specific requests. I was being very precise because God has a sense of humor and I was in an unfunny mood.
The hardest part was the uncertainty that existed before everything fell into place like magic. My confidence didn’t improve above “we’ll see” until I was on the bus to greet the Pope at Joint Base Andrews.
As the bus pulled away from the curb at the Marriott Grand Marquis the real work and long, sleepless days began. History was being made and I was going to be documenting it.
Pope Francis Arrives at AJB, 9/22/2015
I’ll never forget the gut feeling a traffic cone way out on the tarmac gave me. As I quickly walked along the barricades deciding on where I’d be for the Pope’s arrival in a few hours, I kept coming back to it. I set my bags down and just looked at it. The cone seemed both out of place, but where it should be. I wanted to examine other options, but that cone was whispering, “You’re gonna want this spot.”
Base personnel are doing their final preparations and rehearsals before Shepherd One touches down, but none of their choreography is lining up favorably with my position. It’s not terrible, but it didn’t put me at ease either. I’m starting to second-guess myself, but I stay put because the cone told me so.
As you can see, listening to my gut paid off.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
The sign of Andrews Joint Base.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Chase Wiles, 16, a trombone player from DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, MD is interviewed prior to Pope Francis’ arrival. Students from the school’s music program were invited to play for the pope when he lands.
“I’m really excited. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Base personnel bring out the red carpet.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Four students receive some instructions prior to the arrival of Pope Francis. These four students were selected by the Vatican from different Catholic schools in the Washington area to greet the pope for his arrival.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Security personnel monitor the situation at Andrews Joint Base for Pope Francis’ arrival.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces stand at attention during the arrival of Pope Francis to the United States.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Crowds of high school and young adults get amped for Pope Francis’ arrival at Andrews Joint Base.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis’ plane, nicknamed “Shepherd One”, descends onto Joint Base Andrews.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
The U.S. and Vatican flags are displayed from the cockpit of Pope Francis’ plane.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Mobile staircases move into position outside the doors of the pope’s plane. To the left, Catholic dignitaries wait to greet Pope Francis.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
U.S. President Barack H. Obama approaches the tarmac with his daughter, Malia, to greet Pope Francis.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
U.S. President Barack H. Obama approaches the pope’s plane with his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, and his two daughters, Sasha and Malia.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis, U.S. President Barack H. Obama, and Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz share a laugh.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis greets four Catholic school students from Washington-area Catholic schools.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis, U.S. President Barack H. Obama, and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Crowds of youth cheer and wave to Pope Francis as he departs for the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis waves as he leaves Joint Base Andrews in his Fiat 500L on his way to the Apostolic Nunciature in NW Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis leaves Joint Base Andrews in his Fiat 500L on his way to the Apostolic Nunciature in NW Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
The Pope’s plane, nicknamed “Shepherd One”, on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Father Frederico Lombardi, SJ, Director of the Holy See Press Office gives the first press briefing at the Primary Filing Center for the papal visit in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Father Frederico Lombardi, SJ, Director of the Holy See Press Office, center, gives the first press briefing at the Primary Filing Center for the papal visit in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
September 22, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Father Frederico Lombardi, SJ, Director of the Holy See Press Office, center, gives the first press briefing at the Primary Filing Center for the papal visit in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis arrived at Joint Base Andrews and was greeted by President Barack Obama and his family, Vice President Joseph Biden and his family, as well as other dignitaries on the tarmac.
His arrival marks the beginning of His Holiness’ three-city visit to the United States — his first as pontiff.
The First Canonization on U.S. Soil, 9/23/2015
While photographing a papal arrival is awesome, it wasn’t the first of two very historical acts the current pope would be doing. The canonization of Junipero Serra, a Franciscan monk from the Southwestern United States, would be a first on U.S. soil. This was the highlight of his visit to Washington, D.C. and over 20,000 people crowded the Catholic University of America grounds that surrounded the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to experience a papal Mass and participate in history.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
The flower bed outside the main entrance of the basilica is white and yellow to match the colors of the Vatican’s flag.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
People buying papal visit merchandise.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
A man with the Vatican flag in his hat outside the basilica.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
U.S. Secret Service, D.C. Police Officers, and other security and law enforcement personnel begin clearing the main thoroughfare prior to Pope Francis’ arrival to the basilica.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Security was very tight during the pope’s visit as well as during the Mass. Bags were thoroughly checked, metal detectors were in place, and even bomb-sniffing dogs were employed to make sure everyone was safe.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
People look on in anticipation of capturing a glimpse of Pope Francis as he passes by in the popemobile.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
People look on in anticipation of capturing a glimpse of Pope Francis as he passes by in the popemobile.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis parades around the the basilica grounds, greeting the cheering crowds.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis parades around the the basilica grounds, greeting the cheering crowds.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis parades around the the basilica grounds, greeting the cheering crowds.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis declares Junipero Serra a saint.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
A relic of newly canonized Saint Junipero Serra is presented by a man dressed in Native American attire.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
The relic of newly canonized Junipero Serra.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis delivers his homily.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Congregants shield themselves from the unhindered sun during the canonization Mass.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
A row of umbrellas processes into the crowd. Beneath each one is a priest or deacon to help distribute Holy Communion.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
These Vatican-colored umbrellas marked the areas where Holy Communion was being distributed.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
A large image of Junipero Serra on display on the side of the basilica.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Congregants sit in the grass during Pope Francis’ homily. Not everyone was able to get a seat.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
September 23, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis walks over to the statue of the Blessed Mother to offer her a rosary.
Before a crowd of over 20,000 Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, O.F.M., an 18th century Franciscan monk, outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Catholic University of America’s grounds. This is the first canonization on U.S. soil.
It was a very, very long day for me as we had to be on site in the morning, but the Mass wasn’t until 4:30pm. The sun trekked across the sky almost unimpeded by clouds until it settled behind the basilica during Holy Communion. I forgot to wear sunscreen. None of that mattered even now. It was totally worth it and part of the job.
The First Papal Speech to Congress, 9/24/2015
Pope Francis gave a powerful speech to Congress at the U.S. Capitol on his last day in D.C. Never before has a pontiff done so and he didn’t disappoint. While it would have been awesome to have been credentialed to be within the House Chamber of the House of Representatives. I’m glad I wasn’t. It turned out to be the first time I could enjoy a papal speech without being distracted by photographing. I was able to sit outside and enjoy the words he shared with our legislative body and the nation.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
The U.S. Army Band gave a live performance for the Pope and crowd at the U.S. Capitol.
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
The U.S. Army Band gave a live performance for the Pope and crowd at the U.S. Capitol.
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
The U.S. Army Band gave a live performance for the Pope and crowd at the U.S. Capitol.
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
The U.S. Army Band gave a live performance for the Pope and crowd at the U.S. Capitol.
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
The Pope’s speech to Congress was broadcasted live on jumbotrons to the crowds outside the U.S. Capitol.
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
The Pope’s speech to Congress was broadcasted live on jumbotrons to the crowds outside the U.S. Capitol.
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
A little boy wears a homemade mitre while waiting for Pope Francis to emerge from the U.S. Capitol.
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Thousands crowded the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol the Pope’s speech in Congress.
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
A man holds a Puerto Rican flag. People of different nationalities bring flags to show the diversity of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis emerges from the U.S. Capitol to greet the crowd gathered on the west lawn. He is flanked Vice President Joe Biden, Speaker of the House John Boehner, USCCB President Arhcbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, and Cardinal-Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl.
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Signs of support and appreciation.
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
September 24, 2015
Daniel Sone Photography
Pope Francis emerges from the U.S. Capitol to greet the crowd gathered on the west lawn. He is flanked Vice President Joe Biden, Speaker of the House John Boehner, USCCB President Arhcbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, and Cardinal-Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl.
Pope Francis delivered a speech during a joint meeting of Congress at the U.S. Capitol. He was the first pontiff to do so.
After his speech, he greeted a large crowd on the Capitol’s western lawn who have been waiting for hours to both see him and hear his speech.
He then emerged with congressional and Catholic top brass to greet the crowd outside. I had been awake since 4:00am and on site since 5:40am. The pilgrims out on the lawn had been there since midnight. Thousands cheered when he emerged and a rolling silence — so deep you could hear the breeze — took over when he prayed with crowd for a few moments.
Until Next Time
This was a lot of hard work and a long period of preparation for this assignment to even happen much less succeed. Preparations began the moment the cities and dates were confirmed and continued until my gear and clothes were by the door for the days. Although I had only about to two to three hours of sleep each night, I loved every moment of it. Having the honor of not only being present for these historical events but also documenting it with a God-given talent is something that will stick with me for years. The love and support I got to do it will last much, much longer.
