Less than two months from now, Pope Benedict XVI will be visiting the US. He will make two stops — Washington, DC and New York City. A website sponsored by the US bishops gives background information about the Catholic Church in the US and also has the detailed schedule for the Pope’s visit. In addition, each of the two host dioceses has a website focusing on the Pope’s trip.
The Archdiocese of Washington’s Papal Visit website includes information about the Pope’s stay in DC. The Pope arrives on Tuesday, April 15. He will celebrate his 81st birthday on Wednesday, April 16, first by meeting with the President at the White House and later by meeting with the US Bishops at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in DC.
On Thursday the Pope will preside at a 10 am Mass at the new Washington Nationals baseball stadium. Later in the day, he will address the presidents of 200 Catholic colleges and universities, followed by a meeting with interfaith leaders.
The Archdiocese of New York Papal Visit website includes the details for the second half of the Pope’s visit. On Friday morning, the Pope will fly to New York and give a speech to the United Nations General Assembly. Later in the day, he will meet with Ecumenical leaders.
On Saturday, April 19, Pope Benedict will begin with a Mass for Priests, Deacons and Religious at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Coincidentally, April 19 marks the third anniversay of the Pope’s papacy. In the afternoon, he will meet with disabled children, followed by a Rally with youth and seminarians at St. Joseph’s Seminary. On Sunday, the Pope will visit Ground Zero at the World Trade Center site, followed by an afternoon Mass at Yankee Stadium. He will depart for Rome in the evening.
Priests, deacons and religious from New York and Washington can register to attend events via their diocesan websites. The general public is invited to both the Mass in DC and in New York. Tickets will be required and will be distributed by parishes. Details will be posted on the diocesan websites. Many other dioceses have already posted ticket information for those traveling to DC or NY. Note that all tickets are free and non-transferable. You will need to show a matching ID to use your ticket. Thus, beware of any “tickets for sale” since they will be fake. There also will be opportunities to see the Pope as he travels from one destination to another. Details will be posted on the relevant websites.
The Archdiocese of New York is asking for volunteers to help during the visit. The deadline for application is February 22.
The Archdiocese of Washington has helpful resource guides for teachers, catechists and youth ministers.
To learn more about Pope Benedict XVI’s writings, consider reading his book, Jesus of Nazareth
