Pope Benedict's public appearances drawing huge crowds

Published: 2005-10-18

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI's public appearances are drawing huge crowds of pilgrims to the Vatican -- even more than those of his beloved predecessor, Pope John Paul II. According to Vatican statistics, more than 1 million people have attended the pope's weekly general audience or his Sunday blessing since his election in April. That's more than twice the number of pilgrims who attended the same events in 2004 which were presided over by an infirm Pope John Paul. Observers cited a "new pope" effect, saying people want a personal look at Pope Benedict. Interest may have broadened after the global media attention given the Vatican during the period of papal transition. Many of the pilgrims say they are coming to see two popes, visiting the tomb of Pope John Paul in the Vatican grottoes and attending an audience or blessing with Pope Benedict.

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