When this person visited San Francisco for one day in September of 1987, it cost the city over $1 million. Who was this visitor?

In September of 1987, the visitor who incurred costs exceeding $1 million for the city of San Francisco was Pope John Paul II. His brief, approximately 21-hour stop in the city was part of a larger nine-city United States tour. The high price tag was a result of extensive logistical and security requirements necessary for hosting a head of state and a global religious leader.

The Archdiocese of San Francisco alone budgeted $3.3 million for the pontiff's short stay, with various fundraising efforts, including high-profile dinners, contributing to this sum. Beyond the church's expenses, American taxpayers shouldered an estimated $50,000 per hour for essential government services such as security and crowd control. The U.S. Secret Service, responsible for the Pope's protection, had a budget of $5.7 million for the entire U.S. tour.

Preparing for such a visit involved numerous significant expenditures. These included renting venues like Candlestick Park, where the Pope celebrated Mass for over 70,000 attendees, as well as setting up elaborate stages, providing sound equipment, altars, scaffolding, seating, and even portable toilets. The extensive planning ensured the safety and accommodation of both the Pope and the massive crowds he attracted, making the visit a complex and costly undertaking.

Despite the substantial expenses, the papal visit was a momentous occasion for many, marking the first time a pope had visited San Francisco. During his time in the city, Pope John Paul II held a Mass, visited St. Mary's Cathedral, and notably met with individuals affected by AIDS at Mission Dolores Basilica, delivering a message of love and acceptance. The financial investment reflected the immense scale and profound spiritual significance of the event for Catholics and the broader community.