By Mary DeTurris Poust

Journey will unite Catholics in carrying out mission

Our Sunday Visitor: What do you hope this papal visit will accomplish for the Church in the United States?

Cardinal Francis George: The Holy Father will strengthen the faith of Catholics in the United States during his visit here.

Hopefully, this will leave us more united in pursuing the mission Christ gave his Church to convert the world.

OSV: What are you seeing in terms of anticipation among laity and bishops?

Cardinal George: I believe there is an eagerness to greet the Holy Father here, since bishops and laity both usually see him or listen to him in Rome. He knows our country well, and there is some rising curiosity about how he will address the situation of the Church here and what he might say about our society.

OSV: What is the potential long-term impact of this visit on Catholics and the Church in this country?

Cardinal George: The pope has a clear sense of the importance of our country in world affairs and hopes always that we will work toward creating a just and peaceful society here. He hopes as well that we will come to the aid of poorer countries.

He will also be celebrating with us the 200th anniversary of the creation of the first four dioceses in the United States after the creation of the first See of Baltimore in 1789. This will be a moment to look at our history and take stock of our present situation.

With clearer priorities, the Church should be better able to face whatever challenges the future brings.

Mary DeTurris Poust is a contributing editor to OSV.