Louis, Mo., January 2, 2023 / 10:00 am
Pope Benedict XVI, who died on Saturday, visited the United States only once, but he left a lasting impression.
The summer 2008 tour included a rally at the new Washington Nationals baseball stadium, a prayer rally at Lower Manhattan’s Ground Zero, and a speech to the United Nations.
Amid concerns from some commentators that the Pope will use the visit to “reprimand” America, Benedict did not speak during his trip, but nevertheless endeared himself to the American people. A May 2008 survey from the Pew Research Center found that more Americans had a “favorable opinion” of the Pope after his visit than they did before.
Benedict arrived in the United States on April 15, 2008, landing at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C. President George W. Bush greeted the Pope on the tarmac – an important detail, since presidents generally wait for foreign dignitaries to arrive at the White House. .
Bush said in an interview with EWTN before the meeting that he agreed with the pope’s comments on naturalism, saying it “undermines the ability to have a hopeful and free society.”
The next day, which was Benedict’s 81st birthday, the president welcomed the Pope to the White House. In his opening speech, Bush explained the religious roots of America and the values of protecting life and religious freedom, telling the Pope that America needs his encouragement to develop these values.
The Pope responded by expressing his pleasure to be a guest in America, expressed his “respect for this great nation,” and expressed the hope that he would be able to meet with religious leaders of various cultures. .
The ongoing sexual abuse scandal, fueled by several revelations of abuse in the United States in 2002, dominated the papal visit, and Benedict did not shy away from discussing it openly. Addressing US bishops later that day, April 16, the Pope said “the scandal of sexual abuse has been dealt with very well” and said they must reach out for love and compassion for the victims.
He later met with half a dozen people who had been molested in the chapel of the papal embassy, where he told the survivors that he would pray for them, their families, and all those who had been molested by the clergy. .
He also spoke during his Mass at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on April 17, which drew 46,000 people.
“I agree with the pain suffered by the Church in America as a result of child abuse,” said Benedict during his homily.
“No words can describe the pain and damage caused by such abuse. It is important to give loving pastoral care to those who have suffered. Nor can I describe the damage that has happened in the community of the Church. Efforts are already being made to deal with the truth and justice of this terrible situation and to ensure that children – whom our Lord loves so much, who are our greatest treasure – can grow up in a safe environment. It is necessary to continue this effort to protect children. … Today I encourage each of you to do what you can to bring about healing and reconciliation, and to help those who have been harmed.”
Explaining the reason for his departure, he said: “I came to repeat the urgent call of the Messenger to repentance and forgiveness of sins, and to ask God for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Church in this country.”
In closing, the Pope returned to his call for the renewal of the Church in America, saying that “it depends on the renewal of the tradition of repentance and growth in holiness which this sacrament both strengthens and fulfills.”
Later that day, Benedict addressed more than 200 Catholic college and university presidents and 195 Catholic diocesan administrators at the Catholic University of America on the subject of Catholic identity in education.
The Pope told the teachers: “A university or a Catholic school is not just a question of the number of Catholic students.” It is a question of confirmation – do we really believe that only in the mystery of the Word made flesh is the mystery of humanity truly revealed? Are we ready to give all of ourselves – mind and will, mind and heart to God? Do we believe the truth that Christ revealed? Is faith established in our universities and schools? Is fervent expression given liturgically, sacramentally, through prayer, works of charity, concern for justice, and respect for God’s creatures?”
“This is the only way we testify to the meaning of who we are and what we stand for,” he said.
He also met with representatives of other religions, including Jewish leaders.
The Pope said in his speech: “The work of ensuring religious freedom is not finished. New situations and challenges invite citizens and leaders to reflect on how their decisions respect this human right. Protecting religious freedom in the legal system does not guarantee that people – especially minorities – will be safe from unfair discrimination and discrimination. This requires efforts at all times in all parts of society to ensure that citizens are given the opportunity to worship in peace and pass on their religious heritage to their children.”
Benedict then left the capital of the United States and went to the capital of the country, New York City. After a warm welcome at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the Pope headed to Manhattan to address the United Nations.
That year, 2008, celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Pope said in his address that human rights are inherent in human beings and not the fruits of “agreements.” Therefore these rights cannot be exercised by ideological and pressure groups.
On April 20, the last day of his visit, Benedict visited Ground Zero, the memorial site of the World Trade Center towers. Sixteen family members, four first responders, and four survivors were present – and later met with the Pope – as the Holy Father lowered the trunk into the hole where the Twin Towers once stood. , they knelt down and prayed quietly.
After lighting the candle, the Holy Father prayed for the victims, their families, and the survivors of all three attacks of September 11. He then blessed Ground Zero and the people present with holy water.
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Later that day, 60,000 people attended a mass with the Pope at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Pope said in his speech that true freedom is achieved by surrendering and removing oneself from sin. The Mass also served to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the creation of the Diocese of New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Louisville from the mother Diocese of Baltimore, which itself was a diocese in 1808.
The Pope then left the United States, from Kennedy Airport. He only left his visit to America; The next pope to visit the United States is Pope Francis in 2015.
Jonah McKeown is a staff writer and podcast host for the Catholic News Agency. He has a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, as a public radio producer, and as a photographer. He lives in St. Louis.
Which pope had a daughter?
| Lucrezia Borgia | |
|---|---|
| Bury | Convent of Corpus Domini |
How true is the Borgias series? Jordan took a page from Hirst in that he wasn’t trying to pass “The Borgias†as 100 percent accurate. “I do not claim that it is a completely true myth; that is for the books,â Jordan said in the notes to the series. “This is a crime drama based on real characters and events.
What is Lucrezia Borgia famous for?
Lucrezia Borgia (q.v.; 1480â1519), Rodrigo’s daughter and patron of the arts, was famous for her skill in politics. The family produced many other insignificant people. Read also : FACT PAGE: United States Strengthens Partnership with Middle East Partners to Address 21st Century Challenges.. One, St. Francis Borgia (1510â1572), great grandson of Rodrigo, was canonized.
Did the Borgias really exist?
The Borgia family, Spanish Borja, is a noble line, originally from Valencia, Spain, which established its roots in Italy and became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 1400s and 1500s. To see also : The United States stands with the people of South Sudan and calls for the speedy progress of South Sudan’s leaders – US State Department. The House of Borgias produced two Popes and many other political and ecclesiastical leaders.
What was found underneath the Vatican?
The Vatican Necropolis is located under the Vatican City, at a depth that varies between 5-12 meters under the Basilica of Saint Peter. The Vatican sponsored archaeological excavations (also known by their Italian name scavi) under Saint Peter’s in the years 1940-1949 which revealed parts of the necropolis associated with the Imperial period.
What is buried under the Vatican? Also known as the Vatican City Necropolis, the Tomb of the Dead, or the Tomb of St. Peter, Scavi is famous for being the final resting place of one of the 12 apostles of Jesus, Peter.
Did they find bones in the Vatican?
Thousands of bones and fragments – many more than expected and some believed to be very old – were found and collected as Federica Orlandi, the sister of a missing woman, looked on. “It’s tough,” Orlandi said, “to think those could be my sister’s bones.”
What treasure is in the Vatican?
Among the more than 200 valuable artifacts – many of which have never been displayed before — are the papal jewels; bone fragments of Saint Peter and Saint Paul; the private affairs of Pope John Paul II; and the swords, armor, and uniforms of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
Does the Vatican have an underground?
It also has an underground bunker known as âThe Bunkerâ, a version of which was recreated in the film Angels & Demons. Today, it is possible to ask for a limitation.
How many Benedict Popes have there been?
Benedict was the name of the Pope of fifteen Catholic priests.
When was Pope Benedict last? Benedict led the world’s 1.3 billion Roman Catholics from 2005 to 2013. He stunned the world a decade ago when he announced he would retire, the first pope to do so in nearly 600 years. , indicating how his physical and mental condition is declining.
How long was Benedict a pope?
He led the office for almost 25 years. After John Paul II died in 2005, Cardinal Ratzinger was chosen as his successor. It takes the name of a sixth-century monk, Benedict of Nurcia, who founded monasteries and the Benedictine order, helping to spread Christianity in Europe.
Who was the first black pope?
Did you know that among the 266 Popes of the Catholic Church, between St Peter and the current Pope Francis, there are three Popes who are known to be of African descent? St Victor was a deacon when he became the first Black Pope and the 14th Pope in 189 AD He established the fixed date of Easter for the year.
Is Pope Benedict xv1 still alive?
