This last entry of my Papal Visit blog begins with the arrival of our buses (filled with bishops) at Yankee Stadium. Our caravan was escorted by New 
York’s Finest. We were dropped off just outside the stadium in the midst of thousands of people of all ages, cultures and ethnic backgrounds who were clearly very excited about seeing the Holy Father.
We bishops were led into the lower area of the stadium, past life-size photos of Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle and down a hallway decorated with quotes from Joe Dimaggio.
We vested in the batting cages. I think that was a first-time experience for most of us! With a little time before Mass was to start, I called Father Ariel Lustan and Father Dom Pinti on my cell phone to get directions to where the Papal Visit pilgrims from our Diocese were sitting – Section 34, rows G and H. I trekked up the ramps to find them – their seats were at the farthest end of the stadium, down the left field line. It was a joy for me to see some of our own people among the thousands and thousands. After visiting with them for just a few minutes, I returned just in time to join the bishops’ procession onto the field.
Yankee Stadium had been made over by yellow and white ribbons, yellow and white flowers and yellow and white bunting. A huge altar took up most of the infield.
The sun broke through the gray clouds just as the Holy Father entered the stadium in the Popemobile to the cheers and shouts of the nearly 60,000 people who were present. I doubt any Yankee ever received such a welcome. After the Holy Father vested, he processed in to begin the Mass. The Archdiocese of New York had worked very hard to make this liturgy a true celebration of hope and joy, and that it was.
To share Eucharist with people from the 195 dioceses, archdioceses and eparchies in our Nation was a wonderful experience. It was as stirring for me as when our Diocese gathers its 74 parishes for the Chrism Mass or other special diocesan liturgies. Everyone felt proud to be Catholic!
The Holy Father’s homily was uplifting and joyful. I was especially moved that his concluding words were again addressed to young people, reminding them of Christ’s encouragement that they can do works even more marvelous than He. This homily, as with all the talks and homilies that preceded it, was filled with hope and thanksgiving, even as he forthrightly acknowledged the challenges we face.
After the Mass, it was back on the buses for a caravan to JFK Airport for the Holy Father’s departure. Nearly 5,000 people gathered in a cavernous hangar, singing and praying the rosary in anticipation of his arrival.
To cheering and applause, the Holy Father stepped onto the stage surrounded by U.S. and Vatican flags to stand with Vice President Richard Cheney and his wife Lynne.
After the playing of the anthems of the Vatican and the U.S., the Vice President offered words of gratitude to the Holy Father for his visit and the good it had accomplished. The Vice President emphasized his gratitude and that of the Nation for the Holy Father’s visit and prayer at Ground Zero. The Vice President marveled at how the nation had opened its arms to the Holy Father.
The Holy Father expressed the joy he felt and his gratitude for the welcome he had received and the kindnesses shown to him. He said that his opportunity to speak to the world at the United Nations was one of the high points of his visit. He said that his visit to Ground Zero would remain firmly etched in his memory. Concluding his remarks, he smiled and said joyfully, “ May God bless America!”
We left the hangar to line up beside the red carpet leading to Shepherd One, the Alitalia jet that would take the Holy Father back to Rome. When he arrived at the red carpet, the Holy Father shook the hands of the cardinals, bishops and dignitaries. When he came to me, I kissed his ring and thanked him for bringing a new Pentecost to the Church in the U.S.
I hope in our Diocese we can build on the spirit and pride the Holy Father’s visit generated. I pray the inspiration and encouragement he gave us will encourage us to become missionary disciples who invite others to meet Christ. I pray more young people will hear God’s call to serve as priests and religious. I pray we will work even harder to build communities in our Diocese and in our State of Arizona that respect all human life, from conception to natural death. I pray we will recommit ourselves to right injustices, to heal hurts and to care for the littlest and weakest among us.
I look forward to being home!
Deafening noise. Yellow and white flags waving. Shouts of “Papa!” Benedito!” “Benedict our Pope is our hope!”
Clapping and singing, thousands of young people met Pope Benedict XVI yesterday afternoon in a huge field at St. Joseph Seminary in the Dunwoodie section of Yonkers, just a few miles outside New York City.
Riding in the Popemobile, the Holy Father was beaming and stretching his arms out to respond to the tumultuous welcome of these young people who so clearly love and revere him. Their applause, cheering and chanting of his name went on and on.
The young people took over this event. While everything heretofore on this visit has happened on time or even early, the Holy Father’s meeting with young people and seminarians lasted an hour longer than expected. At this event, the bishops and dignitaries stepped aside, and children and teens stepped forward. They became the focus of the Pope’s gaze.
Before the rally, in the seminary’s chapel, the Holy Father met with children who have disabilities. He caressed and blessed them. Seeing this, I thought how our natural instinct is to feel sorry for such children: not the Holy Father. He respected and cherished them. He acknowledged their dignity, saying, “God has blessed you with life.” He said that while some people’s contributions are great and some more modest, all deserve respect and dignity.
The Pope lived his words as his passed among children who are struggling with challenges. He embraced them with tenderness.
In the seminary’s field, 25,000 young people had gathered, many arriving as early as 7 a.m. They celebrated all day, waiting for the Holy Father to arrive. When they saw his Popemobile leaving the chapel for the field, the shouting began, and it continued as the Holy Father waved to them the Popemobile. When he arrived on the stage, you would have thought a rock star was appearing.
Here he was, an elderly man of 81, captivating thousands of young people. He greeted them with affection and thanked them for their joyful singing of “Happy Birthday” in German. He congratulated them on how well they sang it. They responded with shouts: “We Love you!”
In his address to the youth, the Holy Father talked about six “ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives” -- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Frances Cabrini, St. John Neumann, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Venerable Pierre Toussaint and Padre Felix Varela. These holy people, he said, came from every walk of life. “There is no stereotype. There is no single mold of holiness.”
The Holy Father invited the young people to holiness through personal prayer, liturgical prayer, through a life of charity and by pursuing God’s call in their lives.
I pray that the young people in our Diocese will heed this wise pastor.
I hope this visit will inspire young people to consider a vocation to the priesthood or to religious life. This visit reminds all of us that a vocation to a life of service in the Church can do so much good and can make such a significant contribution to our world.
I saw during the gathering how at the conclusion of each young person’s speaking or singing role in the ceremony each was brought over to meet the Holy Father and how he smiled at them and said something just for them to hear. Each one went back to her or his place beaming.
I thought of our recent diocesan celebration to recognize young people in our parishes who have shown extraordinary service in liturgy, catechesis or works of justice. We acknowledged their service with a medallion bearing the likeness of Pope John Paul II.
Young people matter in our Church and in our Diocese. We need to find more ways to engage them and to invite them to become more active in the Church.
As we watch Benedict pastor his people and see the joy he feels and the hope he inspires, it is so clear to me that his priesthood matters to him and that our pastoral ministry can make a difference in people’s lives.
I had hoped to be able to be present for the Holy Father’s visit to Ground Zero this morning, but it wasn’t possible. Like millions of others watching on television, I witnessed his poignant and powerful pilgrimage to this special place and heard his fervent prayer for peace in our violent world and for the comfort of still grieving families.
This afternoon, the Mass at Yankees Stadium. Tonight, the departure from JFK Airport.
It was as honor and joy for me last night to share a second meal with the Holy Father.
This dinner was held at the Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street residence of Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations. It seemed like there were battalions of police surrounding the area, and it was quite a challenge getting through to the residence.
I sat next to Msgr. Georg Gaenswein, the Holy Father’s secretary, who, like the Holy Father, is from Bavaria. He had worked with the Holy Father when he led the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith before his election as Pope. I have noticed that Msgr. Gaenswein is very attentive to the Holy Father and seems to anticipate his every need. He serves him most faithfully.
The meal -- all Italian and prepared most proudly by a local restaurant -- was served in several courses, each more delicious than the other. I had heard that the Holy Father enjoys orange juice with his meals, and it’s true.
The Holy Father seems to be touched by the outpouring of love and affection he has received over the last few days, and he takes every opportunity to show his appreciation. After the meal, he made an unexpected the visit outside the residence to bless the hundreds of people who had gathered and who were serenading him with “Happy Birthday.”
This morning, I was happy to connect with Father Al Schifano and Father Raul Trevizo, our diocese’s Vicars General, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Even though our hotels were just a few blocks away from St. Patrick’s, we had to board busses to get there. Security again was intense, but, as in Washington, the police and special security services have been so accommodating and helpful.
The Holy Father’s motorcade pulled up right on time, and as he walked up the stairs into St. Patrick’s the congregation erupted in applause and began chanting his name. 
The Cathedral was packed with priests, consecrated women and men and deacons from around the nation who were representing the 195 dioceses and eparchies in the U.S. Their welcome could not have been more effusive. Joy filled this historic church!
There was thunderous applause and cheering after Cardinal Edward Eagan, Archbishop of New York, welcome the Holy Father.
This was a beautiful liturgy, with music that touched the heart and soul.
The Holy Father began his homily by remembering the lasting legacy of those who have gone before us and by calling us to a new Pentecost, which we now await.
He spoke of the need for us in the Church to be one -- to put aside polarization, divisions and discord. He called us to focus our efforts together on the purpose and mission of the Church.
He used the architecture of this magnificent Gothic style church as images of hope: Christ illumines our lives, just as the light streaming through the stained glass windows lights the interior of the Cathedral with elegance and beauty; the spires of the Cathedral remind us of our aspirations to realize the call Christ has given us.
There was again thunderous applause for the Holy Father when, at the end of the Mass, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, congratulated him on this third anniversary of his election as Vicar of Christ. Cameras were clicking and flashing everywhere throughout the Cathedral.
Outside the Cathedral, Father Al , Father Raul and I had a perfect spot to see the Popemobile begin its journey down Fifth Avenue. A police officer, truly one of New York’s Finest, allowed us to stay at this spot even though it was in a restricted area. He even guided us into the street to get a better view of the motorcade -- 40 police on their flashing motorcycles, the Popemobile, and huge black SUVs and cars with security personnel clinging on them and fixing their eyes on the crowd.
I noticed that the Starbucks right behind us was packed and that the staff in their green aprons and all the customers were peering out the windows to catch a glimpse of the Holy Father. All of New York seems excited about this visit, which is doing much good and inspiring many.
Next today, a rally with young people at St. Joseph Seminary.
Since the Holy Father’s arrival in the U.S. on Tuesday, I have seen world leaders, including President Bush, and many dignitaries and other people of influence make themselves available to meet with him. I noted that in each instance, these people of great stature went to him.
But at yesterday’s Mass at Nationals Stadium in Washington, I saw the Holy Father get up from his chair to go to a man who was bringing one of the offertory gifts, a man who was born with Down syndrome. I was just one among the many who were deeply touched by this scene.
As the Holy Father left the stadium after Mass, I was delighted to see him pause to bless people, one of whom was a soldier who had been wounded, perhaps in Iraq. I saw the Holy Father touch people’s hands to show that each of them mattered to him.
Last night, we learned that the Holy Father had met with several victims of sexual abuse by priests. We heard from the victims how he listened, how he sought forgiveness. We heard how he tried to bring some healing and hope.
I thought immediately of the times that Bishop Manuel Moreno, my predecessor, and I met with victims and how was painful and troubling it was to hear their stories and to see their tears. We asked their forgiveness for what they had experienced, and we learned that asking forgiveness can mean so much. I pray that the Holy Father’s reaching out to these victims was felt by all who have been abused in the household of the Church.
Clearly, Pope Benedict is a pastor of heart -- feeling people’s pain and trying to understand their struggles. We are inspired when a person of great stature and authority demonstrates interest and compassion for the littlest and weakest, and I believe many people have been inspired by the Holy Father.
I arrived in New York last night after taking the fast and comfortable Amtrak Acela train from Washington. I appreciated the time to read for a couple of hours in the quiet of the passenger car.
I went out running this morning just after daybreak in the neighborhood of my hotel. New York certainly comes alive early with noise and movement. I noted that security was very high -- every corner had police presence and emergency vehicles or news media trucks. The Pope was coming to the Big Apple!
I left the hotel in what I hoped would be plenty of time to get to the United Nations for the Holy Father’s address to the 62nd session of the General Assembly, but when the driver got close to the U.N., traffic was in gridlock because streets had been closed. I got out of the car, and thanks to the guidance of a friendly police officer, I made my way two blocks through a huge crowd to the U.N. I remembered my only other visit to this beautiful building. When I was 12-years-old, my father took me to New York to see the White Sox play the Yankees, and taking a look at the U.N. was on our schedule. I remembered being so impressed by all the flags of the nations of the world waving from the tall poles in front of the building. (I also remembered that the Sox lost the game.)
People were streaming into the U.N. plaza. Most were dressed in western attire, but many wore the traditional clothing of their cultures -- a richly diverse group.
The General Assembly Hall impresses you immediately as you enter because of the huge symbol of the globe that towers over the immense space. Here, all nations gather and seeks ways to find peace.
Our group of bishops sat behind the Holy See’s Permanent Observer area at the back of the hall. I was looking forward to hearing what the Holy Father would say. He would truly be speaking “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world), but this time instead of Rome the city would be New York.
The representatives of the nations of the world stood and applauded as a man of peace humbly entered the hall and was led down the center isle. When the Holy Father arrived at the podium, he was greeted by Srgjan Kerim, the President of the U.N., as a “supreme shepherd.” He was wished a happy birthday and a happy anniversary (the third anniversary of his election as pontiff) by the U.N. President, who also expressed his feeling that the Holy Father’s presence was a powerful recognition of the U.N. as a world organization that seeks peace and tranquility on earth.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon then welcomed Pope Benedict to “the common home of all nations.” He said that while the U.N. has six official languages, it has no common religion. He said there while there is no chapel of any faith in the building, (there is a meditation room) faith plays an important part in the lives and work of all at the U.N.
The Holy Father spoke first in French, then in English. He said that rules do not limit freedom, especially when they prevent behavior that compromises the dignity of every person. I understood from what the Holy Father said that faith and reason, faith and science, are not opposed, but should compliment one another. He emphasized the importance of the U.N., saying that all of us from every nation have a common origin. He said that human rights find their basis in human law, which is written in the hearts of human kind.
He emphasized the responsibility of the U.N. to foster and support inter-religious dialogue. (Later today, the Pope will be meeting with leaders of other religions.) This has been a strong theme of Pope Benedict’s pontificate, as it was for Pope John Paul II.
I felt privileged to share in this historic moment. Although I had some difficulty hearing the Pope due to the acoustics where we were sitting, I could feel that his presence was speaking volumes. Here was a man of peace, humbly pleading with nations to work together to build harmony in the world community.
Tonight, I will attend the dinner in the Holy Father’s honor at the residence of Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the U.N. The Holy Father is staying at the residence.
“Electric!” That is the one word that I think best describes the atmosphere as the time drew near for this morning’s celebration of the first of two Pontifical Masses with the Holy Father.
We bishops boarded our buses at 6:45 a.m. for the 10 a.m. Mass at Nationals Stadium so that we could be in place well before the Pope arrived as required by security.
The day was fantastic: bright blue sky, a gentle breeze and thousands of people of all ages, cultures and races gathering for the special liturgy with the Holy Father to commemorate the 200th anniversaries of several eastern seaboard dioceses. The Archdiocese of Washington gave each of the celebrating bishops a beautiful red chasuble and a miter.
I was very happy to see Msgr. Richard O'Keeffe, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Yuma, Father Alonzo Garcia, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Tucson, with some of his parishioners and Peg Harmon, chief executive officer of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona. Seeing them made me realize that our Diocese was really present for this special Mass.
As we processed into Nationals Stadium, I marveled at the singing and cheering crowd. People were waving American and 
Papal flags, holding signs and really having fun. When the Holy Father entered the stadium in the Popemobile, the shouts, waving and cheering intensified. Even though we couldn’t see the Holy Father as he rode around the stadium, you could tell where he was by the moving waves of noise and commotion.
When Archbishop Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington welcomed the Holy Father, the stadium erupted with cheering.
In his homily, the Pope spoke of feeling blessed to be in the midst of such a marvelous community of faith. He spoke of the accomplishments of the past generations who laid the foundation of the faith in this land. I could only think of those who have gone before us in Arizona who first brought the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Pimeria Alta.
The Pope spoke of the rich diversity of the Church in the U.S. and of the importance of having each group offering its gifts to the whole community. I reflected that one of our most striking characteristics in the Diocese of Tucson is diversity and that what a blessing for us it would be if we could realize even more the gifts of each of group even in our Diocese.
The Holy Father talked of the challenges we face in our Church and Nation today, even as our forefathers faced challenges. He said that he had come to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and that he had come to call us to conversion -- powerful words that mean so much to us as we seek to create a “new dawn” of for our Church.
The Pope's reminder to us of the growth that has taken place in the Church in the U.S. is certainly reflected in our Diocese. I hope we can live his challenge to become a missionary Church, reaching out to all in the community. We can also be challenged by his call to enhance our efforts at catechesis to hand on our traditions and faith to the next generation. 
After the homily, the Holy Father led us in a renewal of our baptismal promises -- a very powerful experience. Surrounded by our sisters and brothers, we responded again and again to the Pope's query with, "I do!" I feel that his visit is inspiring renewed hope and inviting us to turn our lives even more fully to the Lord.
At the very end of Mass, Placido Domingo sang “Panis Angelicus.” I have never heard this beautiful hymn sung so passionately and with such grace. The Holy Father was so moved he went to the world famous tenor to thank him for his beautiful praise of God in song.
I thought to myself how powerful and spiritually moving liturgy can be when it is carefully planned and carried out with love and respect. Inspired by my experience today, I hope we can continue our efforts to enhance the beauty and meaning of liturgies in all our parishes.
The Eucharistic Liturgy is moving, prayerful, and inspiring. That was certainly my experience today, an experience that I could sense was being felt by the thousands in Nationals Stadium.
Now, it’s on to New York by train!
Another spectacular spring day in our Nation’s Capital!
Our bus caravan of cardinals and bishops had a police motorcycle escort to the White House for the Holy Father’s visit this morning. There must have been 25 motorcycle police escorting our buses and stopping traffic for us. The escort sure made getting to the White House fast and easy.
At the White House, we were escorted into the Diplomatic Reception Room. It is through this room that the President often leaves and enters the White House. We were joined there by members of the Presidents' Cabinet and the leadership of the House and Senate, along with some members of the President’s family. It was explained to me that the wallpaper in the room had been found quite by accident in the attic of an old Maryland house and was applied on the walls probably during President Kennedy's time.
Just after 10 a.m., we were guided to the White House Lawn to join the nearly 10,000 people who had gathered there. The sky was brilliant blue. There were bright yellow tulips everywhere. An honor guard stood at full attention. Some said it was the largest reception that has been held on the lawn during President Bush's terms. On a platform were two chairs awaiting the President and Pope Benedict.
When they arrived, the Pope greeted the cheering crowd with arms outstretched. The President escorted him up the platform’s stairs, and they sat as the welcome ceremony began. The band played the Vatican Anthem, and then a marvelous rendition of our National Anthem was powerfully sung.
The President spoke eloquently, touching upon the themes that have been important to Pope Benedict in the three years of his pontificacy. He said that it was a delight to share in the celebration of the Pope's birthday today, just as one would celebrate with friends, and he assured the Pope how pleased our Nation was to welcome him.
Speaking in very distinctive English, the Holy Father responded that he had come as a friend. He spoke of his regard for our country and its history of serving those most in need. He spoke of true freedom and the responsibility all of us have to bring about freedom for all. He ended by exclaiming, “God bless America!” I felt so proud to share in this historic moment.
After the Pope's remarks, the military chorus sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” So moving! (I learned that Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio, had suggested this historic hymn would be appropriate to sing on this occasion.)
We were then escorted back into the White House, where we had a chance to greet the President and Mrs. Bush, Vice President Cheney and the Holy Father. Then, a birthday cake suddenly appeared, and we all sang “Happy Birthday” on this 81st birthday of the Holy Father. I thought the Pope might sit down at the piano and play when he was invited to by the First Lady, but unfortunately there was not time.
Mrs. Bush showed us around the Blue Room and pointed out the mosaic of St. Peter's Basilica that the Holy Father had given to the President.
After this morning’s gathering at the White House, I went with the cardinals of our country to the Vatican Embassy, which is the residence of the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, for a birthday luncheon for the Holy Father. Archbishop Sambi, who had served as Nuncio in Jerusalem before his assignment to the U.S., is highly experienced, friendly and a great host.
We waited for the Pope to arrive after his private meeting with President Bush. Joining us were the cardinals who accompanied the Pope from Rome, including Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Cardinal James Francis Stafford, Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, and Cardinal William Levada, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Archbishop James Harvey of Milwaukee, who now works in the Papal Household, also was present.
At the luncheon, I had the privilege of sitting to the left of the Holy Father. It was my first opportunity to talk with him at some length. He was interested to learn about the Diocese of Tucson, especially the struggle of migrants and the loss of life in our desert. I told him how much we admire Padre Eusebio Kino, the Jesuit explorer and missionary of the 17th century who is so revered in our region, for his efforts to evangelize the Native Peoples and the extraordinary work he accomplished in building missions. I said we hoped that Padre Kino would be made a saint. The Holy Father was delighted when I told him that our Cathedral was named in honor of St. Augustine, the great Father of the Church he admires so much. In observing the conversation at table and how people interacted, I saw the Holy Father as gracious, inviting, gentle and interested in what you have to say.
I also talked with Cardinal Bertone, who sat across from me. He shared his experience of visiting Cuba and his hope that progress in that country would take place.
The Nuncio’s household served a delicious vegetarian meal for me. Everybody else had beef. At the end of the meal, the staff rolled in a huge cake for the Pope's birthday. The cake was in the form of St. Peter's Basilica, even with the colonnades! What pride people take in showing their hospitality!
Cardinal Francis George offered a toast that was very personal, paying tribute to the Holy Father’s parents and his sister and brother for grounding him so firmly in the faith. The Pope appeared to be very touched by the toast. 
After the birthday lunch and a quick stop at our hotel, we followed the Popemobile to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the meeting of all the bishops of the U.S. with the Pope. I was inspired to see so many people lining the way, cheering and singing “Happy Birthday” to the Holy Father. People were eager to just get a glimpse of him, and he was very accommodating in being visible to them.
We waited in the crypt of the Basilica as the liturgists from Rome, guided by Msgr. Guido Marini, the Holy Father’s liturgist, prepared the servers, lector and deacon for the evening prayer we would celebrate with the Pope.
The Evening Prayer was impressive, with all of the bishops filling the pews in the crypt and the beautiful sound of the sung prayer. As he processed into the crypt, I felt that the Holy Father exudes a respect for the sacred and presides with dignity and an aura of mystery.
After Evening Prayer, the Holy Father returned to address us and to hear from us. Cardinal George introduced this session with a heartfelt and substantive reflection on the challenges the Church faces in the U.S. He spoke with great feeling about the sexual abuse scandals and the efforts of bishops to create safe environments for children.
Responding, the Pope covered a wide range of issues, including family life, the shame we all feel for the sexual abuse of children by priests and the challenges of trying to influence a society marked by secularism and materialism. We bishops were attentive, and I was struck by the sincerity and strength by which the Holy Father communicated his thoughts.
After the Holy Father’s response to Cardinal George’s reflection, Bishop Vann Johnston, newly appointed as Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and Archbishop Basil Schott of the Archeparchy of Pittsburg each asked the Pope a question about challenges the Church faces in the U.S. He responded with much thoughtfulness, helping all of us to see the challenges as opportunities to preach the Gospel and to engage people with creativity and imagination.
We arrived by bus at Andrews Air Force Base about two hours before the Holy Father was scheduled to arrive on “Shepherd One.” Security was intense, but unobtrusive. Everyone was most gracious as we were brought into the waiting room to be briefed on the protocol of welcoming the Holy Father.
Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S., Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I,, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Donald Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington, Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese of the Military USA and I waited with Ambassador to the Vatican Mary Ann Glendon and a number of White House staff who were awaiting the arrival of the President.
We were led out to the tarmac to be shown the place where the greeters were to stand when the Pope disembarked. A military band and a band from one of the Catholic high schools in Washington were practicing. A group of school children were in the bleachers to each side of waiting area. They were eager to see the Holy Father.
The President and Mrs. Bush and daughter Jenna arrived about 20 minutes before the Pope arrived. The President mingled with us and said he was excited to be greeting the Holy Father. He has never before made such a greeting to a foreign dignitary on arrival at Andrews Air Force Base.
The President indicated that he will be doing a lot of traveling himself in the next months. He is also preparing for his daughter's wedding in May.
The Pope's plane landed right on time and taxied to the place where a red carpet was rolled out along with the stairs down which he would descend from the plane. Archbishop Sambi went up the plane to meet the Holy Father and to escort him from the plane. The children in the bleachers roared a welcome and started to sing “Happy Birthday” since the Pope's birthday is tomorrow.
As the Pope appeared, dressed in the papal white cassock and a glistening gold pectoral cross, he held his zuccheto in hand because of the strong wind. He was greeted first by the President and Mrs. Bush and Jenna. He then was greeted by Ambassador Glendon. Next was Cardinal George, and then it was my turn. I bowed to kiss the Holy Father’s ring and expressed to him a welcome to our country and the greetings from the people of the Diocese of Tucson. He smiled.
The Holy Father then walked with the President, Cardinal George and Archbishop Sambi to a brief meeting. The Pope will have a longer meeting with the President tomorrow at the White House. I am looking forward to that visit and to the Holy Father’s visit with all of the bishops of the U.S. at the Basilica tomorrow evening.