No free-for-all: Papal visits follow tight framework

Published: 2008-04-11

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When Pope Benedict XVI sits down with interreligious leaders in Washington April 17, the participants will follow a set program that leaves little room for surprises. Likewise, the pope's meeting the next day in New York with ecumenical representatives features prayers, talks and symbolic gestures, but not free-ranging dialogue. Those who have followed papal trips for years know that this is how it's always been. With rare exceptions, a pope's events are highly structured -- and there are good reasons for that, according to his aides. "In the interreligious encounter, for example, it would be impossible to hold a wide-open discussion, which really requires an open-ended time frame," said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, papal spokesman. What the pope brings to interfaith and ecumenical events are principles, directions and impetus, but not a detailed analysis or proposals. "All these meetings are very important, particularly for the symbolic value and the messages that they send. But getting into the actual nitty-gritty of development of dialogue is not possible at encounters like this," said Mercy Sister Mary Ann Walsh, director of media relations for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

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