PHILADELPHIA (PA)
NBC News
by Alastair Jamieson, Katie Primm and Kasie Hunt
Crowds began to gather at dawn Saturday in Philadelphia as Pope Francis prepared to promote religious freedom in the birthplace of American independence.
The city awoke to eight-foot tall mesh fences, concrete barriers and bike racks lining the streets as airport-style security – including TSA agents – was installed for the pontiff’s visit.
Image: A nun being checked by a TSA agent in Philadelphia early Saturday.
A nun is checked by a TSA agent in Philadelphia Saturday. Elyse Perlmutter-Gumbiner / NBC News
Every few blocks along the Ben Franklin Parkway parade route, white tents have food for sale and official merchandise.
Outside the site of Independence Hall, where the United States Declaration of Independence and Constitution were adopted, crowds began to form at 7 a.m. – but they will have to wait until 4 p.m. to see the pontiff.
The 78-year-old Argentine is expected to hold a rally there with Hispanic and other immigrants on the theme of religious freedom. The event combines two issues about which Francis is most concerned: the plight of immigrants seeking a better life for themselves and their families, and the freedom to practice religion.
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