POPE: GRATITUDE AND CHALLENGE TO AMERICA
You just have to love a Pope who knows how to Pope. Three years ago this very weekend, the press was up in arms over the election of Benedict. Too conservative, mean, and retrograde. A dark day for the papacy and the Church, so they said. We still heard a little bit of that this week, most notably from Lisa Miller in this week's issue of Newsweek. But most of the commentary was like George Weigel's. His praise for Benedict was echoed by the cynical D.C. media. Why? Because this Pope took the nation by storm, revealing a charismatic compassion for people most thought could not exist in the man. His meeting with victims of sexual abuse by clergy was groundbreaking in an historic sense. His hope and joy continued to grow palpably throughout the week. Catholics in America feel a sense of importance about themselves that they have never felt before. Benedict thinks we matter! A lot!
Again, his ability to challenge people and still make them feel good about themselves is a gift no one thought he had. Young people love him. Old as he is, he still believes there is good in this world, and he makes you feel that he is looking at the good when he sees us.
48,000 people attended the Mass at Nationals Stadium. I was amazed how such a big place could become so quiet when asked to pray. It was very moving, but when Placido Domingo sang Panis Angelicus people were in awe. And when the Pope left his chair to greet the singer, you could see how appreciative he was. It was at that moment the solemnity of the event gave way to enthusiastic celebration. The Pope was cheered down the aisle by tens of thousands. All of us, including him, just got into the moment.
Lisa Miller's article says that the Pope doesn't connect with people and is out of touch. Must be a different Pope. This one has got the feel of America and let's us know he likes what he sees. Everybody's in awe so far--a good trip and a wonderful visit from a great man!
(Photos of event by Msgr. Eric Barr)
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