In some parts of town, the streets were lined with hordes of people hoping to get a glimpse of the pope in his sweet Fiat or white Jeep. In others, it was a veritable ghost town thanks to street closures and commuters who heeded the warnings of officials and telecommuted.
The effect was eerie, and one might even argue a blessing. Especially if you went to Costco:
The Costco in DC is empty. Thank you @Pontifex.
— Chuck Thies (@ChuckThies) September 23, 2015
Here are a few photos from the Popepocalypse:
Streets of DC currently a pedestrian’s / bicyclist’s dream, thanks to #POPEinDC closures #JMGpope @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/VtdS7Hvgb1
— Lisa McKinnon (@805foodie) September 23, 2015
Eery to see downtown DC streets completely empty in the middle of a workday due to #PopeInDC closures! #Miracles pic.twitter.com/6pcSbGwLIb
— Vera Bergengruen (@VeraMBergen) September 23, 2015
Happy #PopeInDC Day (1 of 2)! Lots of streets closed near SPI’s #DC offices, here’s the view down 15th, 2 blocks away pic.twitter.com/zbZm08vBb0
— SPI_4_Plastics (@SPI_4_Plastics) September 23, 2015
Unusually calm streets in DC. Here few steps away from the White House. pic.twitter.com/Kqm44yYB6E
— Zaid Benjamin (@zaidbenjamin) September 23, 2015
DC drivers paid attention to the traffic warnings; downtown streets are empty. #PopeInDC pic.twitter.com/aGmO2fWHUi
— Stuart Heiser (@heisers) September 23, 2015
Vatican, DC, & American flags line streets near @WhiteHouse for tomorrow’s state visit! #popeinDC pic.twitter.com/714QbzCHVC
— DCCatholic (@DCCatholic) September 22, 2015
DC streets like ghost town today except for those walking to/from parade & vendors. #popeindc pic.twitter.com/kpQpzGZ7EU
— Carol Zimmermann (@carolmaczim) September 23, 2015
The empty streets in #DC due to #PopeInUSA makes this #YomKippur feels like home pic.twitter.com/knkXkNujhy
— Uri Blau (@uri_blau) September 23, 2015
A #PopeinDC miracle for morning commuters: a nearly empty Beach Drive in NW DC. @drgridlock pic.twitter.com/ozw05kbQ5z
— Katherine Shaver (@shaverk) September 23, 2015
Everyone seems to be grateful for the traffic holiday:
DC streets were empty this morning, and the Mall looks pretty desolate on TV. Was everyone scared away by apocalyptic warnings 4 #PopeInDC ?
— Brian Clark Howard (@socialpyramid) September 23, 2015
The suburban DC streets are dead. Probably the Pope’s visit. Or the rapture. Either way, I’m happy for quiet.
— Nathan Jensen (@NateMJensen) September 23, 2015
Riding media bus to Basilica. DC streets virtually empty. Even sidewalks in #Brookland nabe are empty. #PopeInUS
— Tony Aiello (@AielloTV) September 23, 2015
