The Bahrain government officials have put elaborate arrangements in place to allow smooth passage of attendees for the Holy Mass to be celebrated by His Holiness Paul Francis at the Bahrain National Stadium on Saturday, November 5, at 8.30 am.
In view of the large numbers expected at the venue, the organisers have announced that no attendees will be allowed to drive directly to the venue. All attendees (except those with special needs and elderly and their carers) must drive or take taxis to Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) which has large parking facilities. After undergoing security checks at BIC, they will be transported to the stadium by shuttle buses.
Security check counters at BIC will begin operations at 2 a.m. Attendees are requested to plan their journey and arrive at BIC on time and proceed to the respective security check counters corresponding to their zone (GREEN, WHITE, RED or BLUE).
The first set of buses which are arranged to transport mass attendees will begin their journey at 2 a. m. and the last bus departs from BIC at 6 am. The stadium gates will be closed at 7 am.
Attendees will be allowed to carry small amounts of food for their journey. They will also get light refreshments placed on their seats at the venue.
Those with special needs, the elderly, and their carers, who have registered under the "special needs/ elderly" category, will be allowed to be dropped off at the stadium between 5.30am and 6.30am.
The VIP ticket holders should drive or be dropped to the designated spaces at the Polytechnic Parking, close to the stadium, where shuttle buses will transport them to the venue after security checks. Recommended reporting time for VIP pass holders is 5 am. Shuttle buses will operate to transport VIPs to the stadium from 5:30am to 6:30am.
Meanwhile, a beautifully designed altar has been erected at the venue as the Pope celebrates the holy mass during his historic visit to Bahrain. The inside of the stadium features huge boards proclaiming the theme of the visit “Peace on Earth to people of goodwill.” Large portraits of Pope Francis adorn the route to the stadium as well as the inside of the venue.
A 110-member Papal Choir, made up of singers and musicians from the different nationalities living in Bahrain, will sing at the mass.