Pope says it was 'joy' to witness faith of U.S. Catholics

Published: 2008-04-21

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (CNS) -- Thanking Americans for their hospitality, Pope Benedict XVI departed the United States amid a cheering crowd of 4,000 people who had come to see him off. "It has been a joy for me to witness the faith and devotion of the Catholic community here," the pope said April 20 in brief remarks to those gathered in hangar 19 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. "It was heartwarming to spend time with leaders and representatives of other Christian communities and other religions," Pope Benedict added. Among those present were Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York; Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre; Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the U.S.; and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, whose diocese includes the airport. Also in attendance were New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne. "It has been a memorable week, and Pope Benedict XVI has stepped into the history of our country in a special way," Cheney said.

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