A gift of faith
Pope Benedict XVI arrived at Andrews Air Force Base clad in a white cassock and glittering gold pectoral cross. His broad smile and inviting gestures reflected his desire to come to know the people of the United States on his journey of hope. I felt thrilled to share in this historic moment.
Throughout his short yet fruitful visit, his presence and his words touched many, believers and non-believers alike. The teacher spoke clearly and persuasively about Jesus Christ who alone is our hope and our salvation. The preacher inspired crowds of people with a message that spoke of how encountering the person of Jesus Christ can transform and reshape our lives.
The Pope engaged the young, intellectuals, world leaders, people of other faiths, and all in the household of the Church by his warmth, gentleness, and convictions communicated courageously and confidently.
At the White House I stood watching and listening as he called for our nation to exercise leadership in the world not by force but by diplomacy and regard for every individual. The Pope was given a welcome befitting a head of state but he remained simple and true in his manner not as someone who wielded power but had come to listen and serve.
In his meeting with the bishops, I sat with my brothers eager to hear what he had to say. Although he only served as a diocesan bishop for a short time, you knew he understood what it means to pastor to people. His words challenged us to speak the truth, to stand up for life, especially the vulnerable. His words prodded us to be men of prayer, close to Christ so that we might bring others to Christ. His words reminded us not to lose heart, but to thrust our lives on the Lord, the One in whom we hope.
I had been to the United Nations once before as a young boy. My father had taken me on a trip to New York to see the White Sox play the New York Yankees. (The White Sox lost every game. Dad was so upset.) While in New York we went to the United Nations building. I remember well the waving flags of every nation, some of which now no longer exist. I remember seeing the chambers where the ambassadors discuss and debate world issues. Those vivid memories returned when I entered the chambers to hear the Pope speak.
This, of course, was his primary reason for coming to the United States. He came as a peacemaker, a pastor longing to stop war and violence that destroys life and to encourage respect and regard for life as a first priority. Peace can remain a slogan, a mere word uttered. The Pope urged these leaders to act decisively to create a peaceful world. That is their responsibility, their call as civic leaders.
I have seen Pope John Paul II relate to young people. In 1979 in his visit to the United States, he visited our high school seminary in Chicago, where I was serving as rector. I had tried to get the Pope through his delegates to meet with the young people that had gathered in back of the school hoping just to get a glimpse of him. The delegate said there was no time, they were already late for the Mass that was to be celebrated at Grant Park in Chicago. I persisted asking Cardinal John Cody, our Archbishop, if the Pope could just make a passing visit. He grabbed the Holy Father and led him out in back of the school where the Pope was greeted by hundreds of cheering seminarians. He stayed nearly forty-five minutes as he engaged the young. They gave him a soccer ball which he placed on the ground and demonstrated that he knew how to kick it. John Paul at that time was a strong, robust, athletic figure. He was very at home with the young.
Seeing Pope Benedict XVI with the young, it was obvious that he, too, has a high regard for them. He is not afraid to call them to sacrifice and discipline. He is not afraid to challenge them to realize their potential and to use their gifts in the service of others. He communicates to the young how important they are not only for the future but here and now.
I had an opportunity to experience Pope Benedict close up at a dinner at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington given in honor of his 81st birthday. I sat at his left. He was so relaxed and attentive. He clearly enjoyed himself. He is constantly on, surrounded by hundreds, thousands, even millions of people, but here he was just himself, warm and grateful for this time to share a meal with associates.
The two major events that marked his visit were the public Masses at Nationals Stadium and at Yankee Stadium. I am so glad that some of the priests and people from our diocese were able to attend. Despite the mega nature of the events, they were primarily spiritual experiences in which we could celebrate our faith in song and prayer. Celebration of the Eucharist is what unites us as a people and these liturgies were opportunities to be fed by Word and Eucharist.
Despite being in an athletic arena, the celebrations were prayerful and powerful spiritual experiences, a real blessing.
As I watched the Pope mount the stairs of his plane to return home, I could not help but think that he was very pleased by his reception and the good that had happened on this journey of hope. He experienced a vibrant, faith-filled Church in the United States. While we have our struggles, while we have been humbled by our sinfulness and poor judgments, while we do not always live what we preach, I felt a deep pride in the gift of faith I had received and I believe many people feel the same.
Our faith gives us hope