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Pope's visit to D.C. will cost the city millions

The Pope's three day visit to Washington, D.C., which begins today, is expected to cost the city about $2.2. million to provide security, close streets, and clean up after the parades.

Carrie Brooks, a spokeswoman for Mayor Adrian M. Fenty of Washington, said that the city had tried to get back from the federal government what it planned to spend on the Pope, and that it had “also reached out to the archdiocese to discuss cost-sharing.”

The event and its associated costs begs the question of whether or not a city government should be shelling out costs to provide secret security forces to protect a religious leader.  We'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue. 


Published Apr 15 2008, 11:36 AM by Andrew B. Einhorn |  Email |  Print



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Becca said:
The visit represents a security concern, so of course the city needs to invest in precautions that cover the cost of protecting private citizens. However, this is not something that should come out of the city's pocket. DC has enough problems paying for hospitals and schools that adequately serve its residents. The visit of a foreign dignitary, whether it's the Pope or the Dali Lama or whomever, should be a federal concern and executed within reason. This means that the Federal budget can pick up the tab for necessary security precautions... as for parade cleanup (another major city expense), now THAT starts to blur the line between church and state.
April 15, 2008 3:46 PM
Jaime said:

In addition to being a religious leader, the pope is a head of state (the Vatican) and is therefore accorded the same security any other visiting foreign dignitary would receive.  The difference is that far more people are interested in seeing and perhaps harming the Pope because of his dual status as religious leader so the costs for his security are much higher than others.  That said, I don't really understand why the cash strapped city is left holding the bill.

April 15, 2008 7:32 PM
Stephen said:
Ok, so he's a religious leader, he's a foreign head of state.... but he's also an entertainment draw, selling out a ballpark of 42,000, which by the way, even the Nats can't do. Let's not overlook the economic benefits of tens of thousands of people flying or busing in from all over the country to see the Pope's Mass? That's a LOT of breakfasts, lunches and dinners being consumed in the city (at 10% meal tax, no less), not to mention hotel rooms, souvenirs, and concessions! I bet cotton candy in the shape of the Pope's hat would be a big seller.
April 15, 2008 11:45 PM
Linda said:
Tell me, is it a spiritual requirement that the bishops and cardinals wear splendid and martching robes to attend the Papal mass at Yankee Stadium? That jewel encrusted chalice didn't seem in keeping with Jesus' mandate to "sell all that thou hast and distribute it to the poor." Just once, I'd like to see all the priests and bishops attend such a service in humble linen robes. In the meantime, the local Catholic facility for retired teaching nuns has to beg for funding year round. Oh, that's right....they're just women.
April 20, 2008 8:49 PM
Ric said:
Update: I saw a report on this very subject three days ago on Fox News. They estimated the total cost of his visit to be over $10million. However, they also state that a vast majority of the costs are being covered by donations.
April 22, 2008 8:39 PM

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