Visitors enjoy city's sights, sounds ahead of papal visit

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- As crews worked into the night to complete the massive World Meeting of Families stage, pilgrims from all over the world took in the sights and sounds of the city.

"There's too much to see and not enough time," said Sandra Scarfone of Ontario.

Police allowed a young girl from South Carolina to pose for a picture on one of their motorcycles in front of the Basilica.

Hundreds of others went inside to get a look at one of the city's crowned jewels.

"We went to the Cathedral. You've got a beautiful cathedral there, wow, very nice," said Father Gary Schlack of Ontario, Canada.

Ahead of the weekend festivities, which includes an outdoor Mass on Sunday, some ventured up the many Art Museum steps to get a selfie with the stage, altar and city behind them.

"It's beautiful, it's huge," said Mary Hugh Phan of Union City, Ca.

Despite all the city has to offer, pilgrims said, of course, it is the pope they came to see.

"Yes, yes I'm catholic. I'm very excited. Glad to be here," said Homer Cardichon of Haiti.