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2015 Papal Visit to United States

Summary of Visit

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Washington DC, New York City, and Philadelphia from September 22 – 27, 2015.  

Official Schedule of Events: http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/papal-visit-2015/2015-papal-visit-schedule.cfm

DOT Activities

Papal Visit Task Force

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Emergency Response Team (ERT) has established the Papal Visit Task Force (PVTF) to coordinate intermodal activities related to Pope Francis's three-stop visit within the United States in September 2015. The PVTF is comprised of representatives from USDOT's Operating Administrations and Offices of the Secretary of Transportation. Through this Task Force, USDOT has been involved in several steering and planning committees including the New York City and Philadelphia airport, airport security, transportation/traffic, and consequence management subcommittees.   In addition, USDOT personnel will be staffed at a number of coordination centers during the visit.

Telework Policy (USDOT Headquarters)

For the 2015 Papal Visit, while the Federal government will remain open, supervisors are strongly encouraged to utilize the workplace flexibilities and telework options that are in place for their organization.  

Please see the DOT Telework Policy for additional information. 

Additionally, Operating Administrations and staff offices will need to adhere to internal policies and Collective Bargaining Agreements that may cover workplace flexibilities and telework options.

Telework: Remote Access Communications

To access email or other work files remotely, you can use:

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN) gives you a secure telework option, but you must take your laptop with you
  • Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is another telework option, which allows you to use your own computer. You access your "virtual desktop" through the VDI application
  • Remote.dot.gov is a website that lets you access your email through Outlook Webmail Application (OWA), SharePoint and DOTnet

Check out the remote access page and the VDI page on DOTNET.

For questions or problems with Remote Access Communications, call the 5-HELP Service Center at (202) 385-4357, (866) 466-5221, or email to 5-HelpServiceCenter@dot.gov

Transportation Information for Venue Locations

Washington, D.C. (September 22, 23, 24)

New York, NY (September 24, 25, 26)

Philadelphia, PA (September 26, 27, 28)

Additional Links

FAA Informational Videos

FAA Press Releases

  • Cities Hosting the Papal Visit are No Drone Zones Download

U.S. Secret Service Press Releases

  • Law Enforcement and Public Safety Agencies Announce Security Restrictions and Joint Transportation Plan for the 2015 Papal Visit to Washington, D.C. September 22-24 Download
  • Law Enforcement and Public Safety Agencies Announce Security Restrictions for the 2015 Papal Visit to New York, N.Y. September 24-25 DownloadGPA11-15-Papal-Visit-DC.pdf
  • Law Enforcement and Public Safety Agencies Announce Security Restrictions and Joint Transportation Plan for the 2015 Papal Visit to Philadelphia, PA September 25-27 Download

 

Contact Information

Please send all related questions to your Operating Administration POC or to emergency@dot.gov.

Last updated: Wednesday, September 9, 2015