Outdoor Mass by Pope Francis could draw record crowd

MANILA, Philippines - A nonstop stream of people is heading toward Rizal Park in downtown Manila this morning, hours before Pope Francis is to celebrate an outdoor Mass that could draw several million.

Some camped outside the park overnight to be the first ones in when the gates opened around 6 a.m.

Many are walking a good distance up Roxas Boulevard, a main street along Manila Bay that has been closed. Others are taking positions behind barricades in hopes of seeing the pope when his motorcade passes later in the day.

Those going to the park carry snacks in clear plastic bags to sustain them through the wait ahead. A few have statues of the infant Jesus, one of the most important icons in the Philippines, as today also marks the feast of Santo Niño.