USCCB - Papal Visit Site 2008

Pope says trip to U.S. was opportunity to give, receive hope, faith

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI said his April 15-20 visit to the United Nations and the United States was an opportunity to give -- and to receive -- a witness to the power of hope and faith.

In U.S., Pope Preaches Message of Hope Built on Faith

NEW YORK (CNS) -- From the White House to the U.N. General Assembly hall and from ground zero to the Washington Nationals' baseball stadium, Pope Benedict XVI preached a message of hope built on faith and a joint commitment to defending the dignity of the human person.

Pope Achieved Objectives Critical to Future of U.S. Church

NEW YORK (CNS) -- On his first trip to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI achieved three objectives that could be considered critical to the pastoral future of the American church.

Children Give Pope Final U.S. Send-off with Colorful Birthday Cards

ROME (CNS) -- After all the speeches were over and the VIPs had gone home, Pope Benedict XVI had a final U.S. send-off from 36 grade-schoolers in Virginia.

Man Who Sang for the Pope at Synagogue Calls It 'Powerful' Experience

NEW YORK (CNS) -- On Fridays and Saturdays, Daryl Henricksen, a Protestant, sings a cappella, in Hebrew, at the historic Park East Synagogue in New York. On Saturday evenings and Sundays, he's a member of the mixed adult choir and the cantor for four Masses at Resurrection Catholic Church in Rye, N.Y.

Ronald McDonald House Residents Get Unscripted Moments with Pope

NEW YORK (CNS) -- In an unscheduled April 19 event, Pope Benedict XVI greeted about 40 disabled children and their family members from Ronald McDonald House in New York.

Scripted Interreligious Encounter Sparks Spontaneous Remarks

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- After Pope Benedict XVI addressed about 200 interreligious leaders at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington April 17, the scripted encounter with the pope turned into something resembling a town-hall meeting.

'Move Forward' in Faith, Pope Urges Catholics at Yankee Stadium Mass

NEW YORK (CNS) -- At Yankee Stadium, transformed into an open-air church April 20, Pope Benedict XVI urged more than 57,000 Catholics to "move forward with firm resolve" in continuing the legacy of faith set in motion by the country's first Catholics.

Build on 'Impressive Legacy' of U.S. Church, Pope Urges at Final Mass

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Honoring the bicentennial of four U.S. archdioceses, Pope Benedict XVI praised the "solid foundations" of the American Catholic Church and said "the future of the church in America" must continue to build on that "impressive legacy."

At ground zero, pope offers silent prayer, comforts survivors

NEW YORK (CNS) -- In the most somber moment of his six-day visit to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI knelt alone at ground zero and offered a silent prayer.

Enthusiastic crowd greets Pope Benedict on New York's Fifth Avenue

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Hours before Pope Benedict was scheduled to travel along Fifth Avenue people began lining the barricaded route hoping to get just a glimpse of him.

Seminary students say they desire to emulate pope's example

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- When Deacon Michael Spurr is ordained to the priesthood June 7, he hopes he can take the example of holiness of Pope Benedict XVI wherever his path of ministry takes him.

Pope's visit shows 'how far we've come,' Jewish New Yorker says

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI's visit to a U.S. synagogue "is symbolic of how far we've come," according to a Jewish New Yorker and German-American.

Young adults holding vigil rewarded with papal handshake

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Several hundred young adults holding a vigil behind the security perimeter around the house where Pope Benedict XVI was staying were rewarded April 18 with a papal handshake.

Pope says divisions, abandoning tradition weaken Christian witness

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Using unusually strong words for an ecumenical prayer service, Pope Benedict XVI said the witness of Christians in the world is weakened not only by their divisions, but also by some communities turning their backs on Christian tradition.

At New York synagogue, pope encourages 'bridges of friendship'

NEW YORK (CNS) -- In a brief, movingly simple visit to a New York synagogue, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his respect for the city's Jewish community and encouraged the building of "bridges of friendship" between religions.

Pope, at U.N., says no government or religion can limit human rights

UNITED NATIONS (CNS) -- Neither government nor religion has a right to change or limit human rights, because those rights flow from the dignity of each person created in God's image, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Pope Meets Interreligious Leaders, Says Dialogue Discovers Truth

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI encouraged interreligious leaders to work not only for peace but for the discovery of truth.

Pope urges U.S. Catholic educators to lead students to deeper faith

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI urged U.S. Catholic educators April 17 not to simply transmit knowledge to their students but to bring them to a deeper understanding of faith "which in turn nurtures the soul of a nation."

Catholic University students thrilled to welcome pope 'on our turf'

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The pope doesn't visit a U.S. college campus very often. So when four seniors at The Catholic University of America heard that Pope Benedict XVI was coming to their campus, the roommates knew they wanted to witness it. So they arrived on the lawn behind the Columbus School of Law shortly before 10 a.m. April 17 to wait for the papal arrival on campus some seven hours later.

Pope urges U.S. Catholics to renew their missionary energy

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Celebrating Mass in a Washington baseball stadium, Pope Benedict XVI urged U.S. Catholics to renew their missionary energy at a time when American society is at a moral crossroads.

Pope presents special chalice to show solidarity with Katrina victims

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- At the end of his remarks to the U.S. bishops April 16, Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged "the immense suffering endured by the people of God" in the New Orleans Archdiocese because of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Pope calls sex abuse scandal 'countersign' to Gospel of life

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- One of the "countersigns to the Gospel of life" in the United States is the sexual abuse of minors, a situation "that causes deep shame," Pope Benedict XVI told about 300 U.S. bishops gathered April 16 in the crypt church at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

Multiple Choruses of 'Happy Birthday' Mark the Pope's 81st

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- At 5:21 a.m., the disc jockey on a country music radio station in Fredericksburg, Va. -- 50 miles south of Washington -- invited listeners to join her in singing "Happy Birthday" to Pope Benedict XVI. On the South Lawn of the White House, dignitaries, bishops and guests joined in an impromptu rendition of the song. Later, opera star Kathleen Battle led the song again, and the pope blew out candles on a four-tier cake.

Bush, Pope Exchange Gifts Accompanied By Lemon Cake

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- With the formal greetings out of the way, Pope Benedict XVI and President George W. Bush got down to serious business during their historic White House meeting April 16 -- the exchanging of presents. On his 81st birthday, the pontiff received a lead crystal cross sculpture and a collection of American classical and religious compact discs from the president.

Pope, Bush Discuss Fighting Terrorism While Respecting Human Rights

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In a meeting at the White House, Pope Benedict XVI and President George W. Bush discussed the problem of terrorism and how to confront it while respecting human rights. The two leaders also expressed their joint concern for the protection of human life, marriage and the family, according to a statement issued after a private meeting April 16. They also prayed for the institution of the family.

U.S. Ambassador Says Pope-Bush Meeting Was Proud Day for Americans

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- For the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, the meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and President George W. Bush was a proud day for Americans. "It was wonderful to have this great world religious leader express his appreciation for so many things we take for granted," Mary Ann Glendon told Catholic News Service April 16.

Waiting for the Pope: Planning to Chat With Him About Peace and Cats

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (CNS) -- Hundreds of military personnel and their families and dozens of students from a nearby Catholic high school perched on bleachers set up at the edge of the tarmac at Andrews Air Force Base to greet Pope Benedict XVI on his first U.S. visit as pope.

Catholic University Senior's Essay Lands Him Chance to Meet Pope

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Peter Osgood, a senior majoring in biology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, couldn't move when he heard his essay on "How Catholic Education Has Changed My Life" won him a chance to meet Pope Benedict XVI when he delivers an address on Catholic education at the university April 17.

'Lidia' of Public Television Fame to Cook for Pope in New York

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Lidia Matticchio Bastianich has cooked for her fair share of VIPs, including first lady Laura Bush and the presidents of Japan and Chile. Nothing, however, comes close to cooking for Pope Benedict XVI.

Children Welcome Pope on Lawn of Apostolic Nunciature in Washington

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- As the black limousine in which Pope Benedict XVI was riding pulled up in front of the apostolic nunciature in Washington April 15, a crowd of schoolchildren stood on the lawn waiting to greet the pope.

Pope Says U.S. Visit Will Be 'Special Missionary Experience'

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Two days before his first visit as pope to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI described the trip as a "special missionary experience" and requested prayers for its success.

For Archbishop Highlight of Papal Trip Will Be Nationals Park Mass

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- For Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl, perhaps the highlight of Pope Benedict XVI's three-day visit to the nation's capital will be when they stand near the altar for the beginning of the papal Mass at the new Nationals Park April 17.

At Ground Zero, Pope Will Pray for Victims and Families, World Peace

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In addition to praying at ground zero in New York for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and for their families, Pope Benedict XVI will pray for peace and understanding in the world.

Pope Says U.S. Visit Will Be 'Special Missionary Experience'

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Two days before his first visit as pope to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI described the trip as a "special missionary experience" and requested prayers for its success.

USCCB To Stream Papal Visit Events Live On The Web

WASHINGTON -- The special Web site (uspapalvisit.org) created by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for Pope Benedict XVI's April 15-20 visit to the United States will live stream the events. From the pope's arrival at Andrews AFB to his departure from New York, uspapalvisit.org will have the events live.

Public Popemobile Routes Announced for Pope's Visit

WASHINGTON -- Popemobile routes for Pope Benedict XVI, April 16 and 17 in Washington, will include travels along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW and Fourth Street, NE. These routes, especially the motorcade west on Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, present the best way for the public to see Pope Benedict. The pope's schedule during his three-day visit to Washington includes events that require tickets.

Grinding For God: Pope to Get 'Official Papal Skateboard' From Youths

NEW YORK (CNS) -- When Pope Benedict XVI returns to the Vatican, he'll be toting a gift not generally associated with an 81-year-old pontiff. He'll take home the "official papal skateboard," a gift from the youths of New York.

Pope's Ground-Zero Visit to Include Some Members of Victims' Families

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The Archdiocese of New York is organizing a small group of family members of victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to participate in Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the World Trade Center site the morning of April 20.

Cardinal Egan Says He Looks Forward to Pope Developing Theme of Hope

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI will emphasize the theme of hope -- and what that means to Catholics -- on his upcoming visit to New York and Washington, said Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York.

Pope Expected to Encourage Vocations in Visit to New York Seminary

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y., one of the stops for Pope Benedict XVI during his three-day visit to New York this April, is no stranger to the pope or his predecessor, Pope John Paul II.

Connecticut Liturgical Supplier Gets Ready for Papal Masses

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI's April 18 visit to the United Nations "is eagerly awaited because the pope is seen as a moral authority offering clear guidance on the foundational values of life and of human society," said the Vatican's U.N. ambassador.

Pope's Visit to United Nations 'Eagerly Awaited,' Says Vatican Nuncio

HARTFORD, Conn. (CNS) -- The visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United States will be a memorable event for all Catholics, but it will be especially so for one busy Connecticut religious supplies and church goods firm.

Papal Visit on CUA Campus Excites Catholic Students Active in Faith

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Late-night talks with friends about life and faith are common in the dorm rooms of The Catholic University of America. Talking about the Catholic Church in class is pretty normal, too.

Ticket Distribution Plan Set for Pope's Washington Mass

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Close to 14,000 people out of the 45,000 expected to be in attendance at Pope Benedict XVI's April 17 Mass in Washington will hail from outside the Archdiocese of Washington.

Tiny T-Shirt for a Teddy Bear Pays Tribute to Pope's U.S. Visit

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The first officially sanctioned Washington souvenir for Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming visit to the United States is a tiny T-shirt for a teddy bear.

Nuncio Says Pope Comes to Strengthen Faith, Hope, Love of U.S. Church

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- When Pope Benedict XVI celebrates his first papal Mass in the United States, it will be a "familial" gathering at the apostolic nunciature in Washington, said the Vatican ambassador to the United States, Italian Archbishop Pietro Sambi.

Cardinal Says Papal Visit, Like One In '79, Will Be 'Time Of Grace'

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The 1979 visit of Pope John Paul II to the nation's capital "was a great gift," as will be Pope Benedict XVI's April 15-17 trip to Washington, said Cardinal William W. Baum.

President Bush To Greet Pope Benedict Upon Arrival At Andrews

WASHINGTON -- President and Mrs. George Bush will greet Pope Benedict XVI, April 15, when he arrives at Andrews Air Force Base for a six-day visit to the United States that will take him to Washington and New York City.

U.S. Ambassador Expects Pope's April Visit to Be Thought-Provoking

ROME (CNS) -- The new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican said she expects Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming visit to the United States to be a thought-provoking event for Catholics, non-Catholics and international representatives.

People Will Have Chance to See Pope as He Travels from Site to Site

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Washingtonians and visitors to the nation's capital will have opportunities to greet Pope Benedict XVI during his April 15-17 visit to Washington.

Nuncio says pope comes to strengthen faith, hope, love of U.S. church

Pope to Gather with 200 Religious Leaders at Interfaith Meeting

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- When Pope Benedict XVI comes to the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington for an early-evening interfaith meeting April 17 with Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and representatives of other religions, space will be at a premium.

People Need God to Have Hope, Pope Says in New Encyclical

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In an encyclical on Christian hope, Pope Benedict XVI said that, without faith in God, humanity lies at the mercy of ideologies that can lead to "the greatest forms of cruelty and violations of justice."

More Backgrounders Added

Facts, figures and background information can be found on the www.uspapalvisit.org site under the "Catholic Church in the USA" section.

Pope Benedict XVI's Itinerary

Tuesday, April 15: Arrival at Andrews Air Force Base. Greeting by President Bush and Mrs. Bush. Also present will be local dignitaries of the church and the apostolic nuncio.

PAPAL VISIT MEDIA ADVISORY

Applications for media credentials to cover Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States, April 15-20, are available online at http://www.uspapalvisit.org/mediakit/index.htm; access is at Media Credentials. application deadline is Feb. 21.

PAPAL VISIT LOGO, THEME UNVEILED

WASHINGTON - The message "Christ Our Hope," atop an image of an open-arms Pope Benedict XVI before the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, has been chosen as the logo for the visit of Pope Benedict to the United States, April 15-20.

Press Release - Papal Visit Announcement

Address by His Excellency Archbishop Pietro Sambi. Your Eminences, Your Excellencies, dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: First of all I would like to thank Bishop Skylstad, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, for his warm welcome, as well as for his nourishing speech, which he has just addressed to us.