I was quite surprised to find this level of attention to 'working details' of the Pope's visit on BBC News, but perhaps it's because this is posted on their Birmingham site. Still...
A guide to Pope Benedict XVI'S
visit to Birmingham
Pope Benedict XVI will visit Birmingham as part of a four-day visit to the UK in September 2010.
The Pope will lead a public open-air Mass in Birmingham's Cofton Park on Sunday 19th September 2010.
Public guidelines have been put in place by organisers of the papal visit to ensure as many people as possible can see the Pope.
Safety and security will be the main priority during the high profile Birmingham visit.
COFTON PARK PUBLIC MASS
EVENT INFORMATION
How to attend
Over 65,000 people are expected at the open-air mass at Cofton Park.
To attend the public Mass by Pope Benedict XVI at Cofton Park on Sunday, 19 September you will need to speak to your local parish priest as soon as possible. The priest will then get in touch with their local diocesan papal visit co-ordinator and arrange for you to join a parish group.
Each diocese in England and Wales has appointed a local co-ordinator as the key channel for passing on information on how people can attend the public Mass events that will take place during Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the UK.
Group attendance ONLY*
Individuals cannot attend the Crofton Park public mass without being part of a pilgrim group from a local Catholic parish. Each group will be assigned a pilgrim leader, the leader will be present at the security points and will be able to vouch for the members of the group.
*
[I do not know if this is an advisable policy at all. It makes the Pope's Mass an exclusively English/Welsh parishioners' event, and that is not right. If I were a Catholic travelling in Birmingham at the time of the Pope's visit and wished to attend the Mass - and were prepared to trudge miles to get to Cofton Park - how are they going to stop me?]
Mass entrance
Each person will receive a pilgrim pack containing a pilgrim pass that will allow them entrance into Cofton Park.
Travelling to Cofton Park
Travel to Cofton Park is by coach ONLY. This is to ensure pilgrims can be accounted for easily and will also help people pass through security quickly and comfortably.
Contact your local parish priest to register your interest. They will liaise with your local diocesan papal visit co-ordinator who will then arrange a coach through the central papal visit office.
Other itinerary dates
In addition to the Cofton Park event, Pope Benedict XVI will be holding a public open-air Mass at Bellahouston Park in Glasgow on 16th September and an open air prayer vigil in London's Hyde Park on Saturday 18th September.
He will also travel the streets of Edinburgh and London in the Popemobile during his UK visit - finalised routes will be released in due course.
For more information about the Pope Benedict XVI UK visit visit the Papal visit website .
Stay tuned into BBC WM 95.6FM and DAB for all the local news and information on Pope Benedict XVI visit to Birmingham.
The official papal visit site contains the ff general information on...
How can I see
the Pope in the UK?
This simple question and answer article should help you make your interest known if you wish to attend one of the public events of Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Journey to the UK.
What public events can I attend during the Papal Visit?
There are three public celebrations taking place between 16-19 September:
Bellahouston Park, Glasgow
16 September
Mass - Afternoon
Hyde Park, London
18 September
Prayer Vigil - Evening
Cofton Park, Birmingham
19 September
Beatification of Cardinal Newman - Morning
Will there be any other opportunities to see the Holy Father?
In addition to the public events, there will be opportunities to see the Holy Father in Edinburgh and London travelling the streets in the Popemobile. The finalised routes will be released in due course.
How do I register my interest?
Speak to your local parish priest as soon as possible. He should be in touch with his Diocesan Papal Visit Co-ordinator and can explain how you can join a parish group.
Can I travel to an event on my own?
No, unfortunately not. You must be attached to a group from a Catholic parish to attend one of the public celebrations. Each group will be assigned a PILGRIM LEADER. The Pilgrim Leader will be present at the security points and will be able to vouch for the members of their group.
How will I gain access to the venue?
Each pilgrim will receive a PILGRIM PACK. This will contain a PILGRIM PASS. This pass will allow you to enter the park for the public celebration.
How do I travel to Birmingham for the Beatification of Cardinal Newman?
Travel to Cofton Park in Birmingham is by coach only. This is to ensure pilgrims can be accounted for easily and it will help you pass through security quickly and comfortably. Again, contact your local parish priest to register your interest. He will liaise with your Diocesan Papal Visit Co-ordinator who will then arrange a coach through the central Papal Visit office.
How do I travel to London for the Hyde Park Prayer Vigil?
Pilgrims will need to use public transport to attend the Hyde Park Prayer Vigil on 18 September. Again, you will need to be attached to a parish group with a Pilgrim Leader.