Protests begin at ND pre-Obama arrival

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Protests were underway at the University of Notre Dame hours before the scheduled arrival of President Barack Obama.

At 11 a.m. Sunday, more than 100 people holding anti-abortion signs stood at the school's front gate protesting Notre Dame's invitation for Obama to speak at commencement. An abortion rights group also had members protesting at the site.

On campus, more than 200 people prayed Sunday morning at a packed Alumni Hall Chapel. Hundreds of people later packed an open air mass held on the South Quad of campus. The event was organized by ND Response, a coalition of student groups opposed to the school's decision to give Obama an honorary degree.

Overhead, a plane pulling an anti-abortion banner circled campus.