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What We Google When We Google Pope Francis in Philly

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A short while ago, we looked at what Google autocomplete tells us about what people think/feel/fear about Philly. The results were unsurprising: no matter how you spell it, Philadelphians (and our tourists) are concerned about safety (and not just if you're a beheaded hitchBOT who got to meet director Kevin Smith last night). But now, in the media storm before the storm of September's papal visit, what can Google autocomplete tell us about how people really feel about transportation lotteries, green zones, sleep-sofas renting for $2,500 a pop, and the treasure trove of commemorative memorabilia aimed at the devout and the neo-hipster alike? Let's find out.

Not shockingly, when searching "Pope visit Philadelphia," the top searches are related to transportation and housing concerns for the weekend.

Heck, just googling "Pope Francis" and you see that his Philadelphia visit is numero uno on people's minds these days.

We'll even have a special milkshake to benefit the world gathering of Catholic families and the pope visit. Didn't we just think of everything?

At least there's some clarity around when the pope visit is scheduled.

Also unsurprisingly, people googling airbnb in Philadelphia are googling airbnb in Philadelphia for the pope visit.

Same goes for "Philadelphia rentals." Also: Old City, represent!

Luckily, the whole regional-rail train pass debacle seems to have passed.

Still with the Pope Fence, people?

Oh. OK. Moving on.

Newsflash: traffic will be a nightmare. Maybe plan to leave early, if you're skipping town for the weekend.

Head on over to Philly.com for an interactive map of exactly what to expect regarding road (and bridge) closures and security check points for the weekend. And remember. It's a "green zone."

Keep calm, Philly. The eyes of the world are upon us.


· 'Is Philadelphia Really That Bad?' What People Google About Philly and Its 'Hoods [Curbed Philly]
· Curbed Philly papal visit archives