Pope John Paul II during Papal visit, 1987

On September 12, 1987, the steps leading to the elevated floor of the pavilion were decorated with thousands of yellow flowers. Yellow and white tarps stretched over a curved steel frame, sheltering Pope John Paul II and dozens of local clergy from summer heat. A sudden afternoon thundershower could not move onlookers from their seats.

The pavilion was designed by Walk, Haydel & Associates, and built especially for this event.

Image courtesy of The Times-Picayune and NOLA.com