9:58 a.m.

Pope Benedict has processed into the stadium and to the altar, wearing red vestments and a gold miter and wearing the white, woolen stole, or pallium, of an archbishop.  He has just scooped incense into the censor and is incensing the altar for the start of the mass, which will last about 90 minutes. He will deliver a homily shortly, and is expected to touch on several themes including the clergy sex abuse scandals, which he has addressed on the two previous days of his visit. 

9:40 a.m.

The Pope has arrived! About seven minutes ago the crowd was asked to take their seats, and moments ago the white "popemobile" made its way into the infield of Nationals' Park. Pope Benedict has the windows down, waving as he did yesterday entering the grounds of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Many in the crowd are waving gold and white papal flags, and a choir somewhere is singing as he circles infield and approaches the altar.