There are two theories about flying with the pope. One is that the plane will never go down. The second is that if it does, everyone goes to heaven.

Apparently Benedict is going to answer five questions for us on the flight. There’s always a huge scrum to get seats at the front. At the front of the back, that is. All the Vatican hotshots are up front, and 50 or so journalists are in economy, although the price is anything but economical. (We normally get first class food, though, if that’s any consolation.)

In the journalist section, the news nerds are in the front, the cool calm people in the middle (that’s where FOX will be) and the photographers in the back, so they can make a quick exit and get a shot of the pope after we land. The photographers all look like guys (although there’s one woman among them) who only put on their ties three times year, when they’re on the papal plane.

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1- Top Photo: News conference on board. To the left of the pope is Cardinal Bertone, the secretary of state, and to his right is papal spokesman Fr. Lombardi.

2— Half of a pope trip is waiting in line.

This is outside the cathedral in Sao Paolo. Everyone seems to be asking, “Are you going to let us in?”

3— No talking in church.

Once inside the cathedral, with Tricia Thomas of APTN, Associated Press Television.