A visit by Pope Benedict XVI would thrill millions of Boston-area Catholics but could raise holy havoc with ongoing plans for the 2008 U.S. women’s Olympic marathon trials, scheduled the day before the 112th Boston Marathon.If he comes, the pope’s visit would coincide with the women’s Olympic trials on Sunday, April 20.
The trials include a lap around Boston Common, the likely site for a Papal Mass similar to one offered by Pope John Paul II when he visited Boston in 1979.
In such a scenario, a change in course, starting time or date for the trials might be required. The Boston Marathon runs the following day.
The Boston Athletic Association, overseer of the fabled Hopkinton-to-Boston race, on Wednesday held its first planning meeting for the women’s trials.
“I actually got an e-mail from a few folks asking me if I was aware,” said Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray. “Until we hear further word on (the pope’s visit) we are, right now, continuing to plan the usual.“
Archdiocese spokesman Terrence C. Donilon, who said he was not aware the trials were to be held in Boston, said a 2008 visit by the pope has not been confirmed.
“It’s all such speculation right now,” Donilon said. “We haven’t gotten to that point where we can make those kinds of decisions yet. Nothing has changed. There are so many rumors out there. If we hear he is coming, and we hope he is, we’ll address the logistical stuff right away. But right now we can’t hedge our bets.”
McGillivray said BAA officials are aware of the importance of a papal visit.
“Obviously, we are moving forward with an eye toward an ‘anything can happen’ position,” McGillivray said.
“Certainly, the (trials) course goes right by there so we would have to re-think things.”
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