As Pope Benedict meets again with President Bush (web|news|bio) and speaking with bishops, work continues at the places he'll visit later in the week, including where he will hold a massive mass.

The Papal flag surrounds Nationals Park because the baseball stadium is quickly being transformed into an outdoor cathedral. Pope Benedict XVI (web|news|bio) 's highly anticipated visit to Washington stops at the stadium Thursday morning for mass, led by the Holy Father himself.

"This is probably going to be the only time the pope is going to be here, in the United States," said Evelyn Tucker. She was one of only four from her diocese in Portland, Oregon to get a ticket. "It's amazing. A once in a lifetime opportunity."

Workers are doing everything from hauling in chairs to testing Jumbo-trons, as the place of play turns into a sanctuary of prayer with center stage in center field.

Maria McGuigan and her mother Nancy waited for the Pope to arrive at Andrews Air Force base. "Anxious to see what he has to say to the Roman Catholics in America." Despite Maria's cystic fibrosis, they will also be at Thursday's Mass saying it's a moment they would not miss for anything. "This is truly amazing. I've been waiting for this for years."

Officials say they plan on having the stadium ready for Mass by Wednesday night around 7-9 p.m. After that, there will be a major security sweep. The gates open Thursday at 5:15 a.m.

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