Pope says U.S. visit will be 'special missionary experience'

Published: 2008-04-14

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Two days before his first visit as pope to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI described the trip as a "special missionary experience" and requested prayers for its success. The pope made the remarks at his weekly noon blessing at the Vatican April 13, his last public appearance before his April 15-20 visit to Washington and New York. When he appeared at his apartment window, a group of well-wishers in St. Peter's Square unfurled American flags. Others held up a huge sign that read "Buon Viaggio" ("Have a good trip"). Speaking in English, he looked forward to the visit, which includes a major address at the United Nations headquarters in New York and 14 other encounters. He summarized the message he will bring throughout his trip. "With the various groups I shall meet, my intention is to share Our Lord's word of life. In Christ is our hope," he said.

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .