Papal visit news from around the web

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Did pope approve of American mass?»

It was clear from the start of the papal mass in Nationals Park Thursday that the event would be a truly American Catholic celebration. Prayers and readings were delivered in a number of languages. And the gifts and Eucharist were accompanied by musical arrangements with Native American and Gospel flavor. But was Pope Benedict XVI pleased? (Chicago Tribune)

Pope meets privately with victims of priestly sexual abuse»

WASHINGTON -- Pope Benedict XVI held an unscheduled meeting with victims of priestly sexual abuse, shortly after pledging the church's continued efforts to help heal the wounds caused by such acts. (CNS)

The Green Pope»

Benedict XVI has embraced environmentalism. How he's using church teachings to urge Roman Catholics to take care of the earth. (Newsweek)

Resolution welcoming the pope hits abortion snag in Congress before passing»

A resolution welcoming and honoring Pope Benedict XVI to Washington hit a temporary rough patch on the way to its eventual approval — and the rough patch involved the always-nuclear topic of abortion. (Fox News)

 Behind the Scenes: Thrilling day covering the pope»

In our Behind the Scenes series, CNN correspondents share their experiences in covering news and analyze the stories behind the events. CNN White House correspondent Ed Henry, who describes himself as "not a perfect Catholic," describes covering Pope Benedict XVI's Mass.  (CNN)

Pope Benedict's White House speech (YouTube)

Pope Benedict arrives in Washington, DC (YouTube)

 The Pope of the Internet Age draws eyeballs online»

That nickname was bestowed yesterday by veteran Vatican analyst Delia Gallagher on CNN as the pontiff flew across the Atlantic when video and text of remarks to journalists about his deep shame over the scandal of U.S. priests abusing minors made it online minutes even before his arrival on U.S. soil. (Detroit Free Press)

 Pope's U.S. visit may affect prez polls»

The ongoing visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the US is being closely watched by the candidates for November presidential elections. (NDTV)

 U.S. Muslim group declines to meet Pope»

NEW YORK (AP) — Unease with Pope Benedict XVI's approach to Islam has led a US Muslim group to decline joining in an interfaith event with him later this morning. (The Associated Press)

Benedict's birthday plans»

The primary birthday celebration will be a lunch with the American cardinals – including Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston – at the nunciature, which is the Embassy Row manse of the Vatican’s ambassador to the United States. No word yet as to what will be on the menu. (The Boston Globe)

How the Pope see America's "cafeteria Catholics'»

Morning Edition, April 16, 2008 · Pope Benedict is visiting the United States for the first time as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. (NPR)

Pope's visit excites lay people, but doesn't erase issues»

When Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Washington, D.C., today on his first U.S. papal visit, he'll see a Catholic Church of great vitality — facing great uncertainty. Greg Erlandson, OSV publisher, is quoted in the article. (USAToday)

  Pope 'ashamed' over sex abuse»

Pope Benedict XVI said on Tuesday he was "deeply ashamed" over sexual abuse that shook the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. (MSNBC news services)

 Pope may find U.S. on his wavelength»

President Bush is not a Catholic. And unlike his good friend Tony Blair, he probably never will be. Yet the very Protestant Mr Bush is clearly an admirer of Pope Benedict XVI and is pulling out all the stops for his first visit to the United States as pontiff. (BBC)

 The Pope and the President»

George Bush is certainly not the first American president to try and take advantage of a timely papal meeting to advance himself and his agenda. (The Nation)

Russia allows Pope Benedict documentary to be aired»

 For the first time ever, a state television channel in Russia will broadcast a documentary film about Pope Benedict. (Catholic News Agency)

Candles, clergy and Communion for 57,000»

 With all its spiritual, political and cultural significance, the six-day visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Washington and New York next week is also a daunting logistical operation involving everything from candles and catering to cellphones and ciboria, the metal receptacles that hold communion wafers. (New York Times)

 Pope to find U.S. Protestants more receptive»

Benedict XVI will be welcomed by many American Protestants when he visits the US next week. (mercator.net)

 Pope Benedict requests prayers»

In his address following the Regina Coeli on April 13, 2008, Pope Benedict requested prayers for his upcoming visit to the United States, saying that he hopes this visit will be a time of spiritual renewal for all Americans. (USCCB blog)

Pope's visit means three White House firsts»

President Bush is pulling out all the stops for Pope Benedict XVI: driving out to a military base to meet him, bringing a giant audience to the South Lawn and hosting a fancy dinner. (MSNBC)List of President/Pope Meetings» 

A list of all 25 meetings between popes and U.S. presidents, spanning 89 years, five pontiffs and 11 American leaders. ( AP)

 How Benedict XVI will make history»

The master teacher who follow John Paul is a moral leader who's begun an unprecedented conversation with Islam. (Newsweek)

U.S. visit will give pope a defining moment»

When Shepherd One lands outside Washington, D.C., on April 15, the jet carrying Pope Benedict XVI to a six-day visit in the USA will deliver a complex and surprising man. (USA TODAY)

 Pope bobblehead ad given the bounce»

It seemed like a great marketing campaign: a Pope Benedict XVI bobblehead riding Metro. The Church was not amused. It was the clothes.

 New York holds skateboard design contest for papal visit»

During his April visit to New York City, Pope Benedict XVI will be the recipient of a unique gift—a papal themed skateboard. The unusual gift will be presented to the Pope when he meets with the youth in Yonkers, and is the fruit of a skateboard design contest for local youth. (Catholic News Agency)

Designing an altar for the pope»

Master's students in architecture at Catholic University created the altar that will be used for mass when the Pope comes to town in April. (Washingtonian.com)

 Pope to Visit NYC Synagogue for Passover»

Pope Benedict XVI will visit a synagogue near the United Nations when he travels to the United States this month. (wcbstv.com)

  Six Surprising Things About Benedict XVI, 'The Puzzling Pope'»

David Gibson offers a handy guide for getting to know Pope Benedict XVI. (beliefnet.com)

 American Public Radio "Speaking of Faith" wants to hear about your Catholic experience»

If you are or were Catholic, Speaking of Faith would like to hear your perspectives on what anchors and unsettles you in this vast tradition. They are also interested in the hopes and concerns you have for the church, now and into the future. (American Public Radio)

 Pope Benedict Returns to Yonkers Seminary after 20 Years, a story from NY1 News» 

In April, a Yonkers seminary will host Pope Benedict XVI, who visited the same place 20 years before as a cardinal. (NY1 News)

 Papal Visit: Celebrity vs. Spiritual, column by Marc Fisher»

Archbishop Donald Wuerl stopped by The [NY] Post and discussed, among other things, the conflicts that the Pope faces as he tries to meet his responsibility to shepherd hundreds of millions of Catholics around the globe while also going through this phase of life as one of the best-known figures on the planet. (Washington Post)

 Sirius Satellite Radio's Catholic Channel covers the papal visit; Papal Archives Channel announced»

Papal Archives Channel, SIRIUS Ch. 119, will showcase historic speeches from Pope John Paul II and Pope Paul VI, plus the earliest known recording of a Holy Father, Pope Leo XIII circa 1902. The Catholic Channel, SIRIUS 159, will provide 24-hour coverage of the Papal Visit, with key events rebroadcast on Papal Playback, Ch. 143. (Sirius.com)

 Catholic College Leaders Expect Pope to Deliver Stern Message»

After years of Vatican frustration over what it views as the failure of many U.S. Catholic colleges to adhere to church teachings, school leaders are intently watching for a rebuke from Pope Benedict XVI during his Washington visit next month. (Washington Post)

 Bishop Wuerl on the papal visit»

Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate mass next month at a brand-new baseball stadium in Washington before some 45,000 Catholics, the archbishop of Washington said Thursday, adding that demand for places has exceeded the church's expectations. (AFP)

 USCCB launches papal visit blog»

The Papal Visit Blog, a site for observations great and small about Pope Benedict XVI’s inaugural visit to the United Nations and United States. (USCCB)

 Students Prepping for Papal Visit»

Thirty-six students, ranging from kindergartners to eighth-graders, from the dozen Catholic primary schools in St. Mary's, Charles and Calvert counties joined forces last week to create a two-minute video to welcome the pope to the area. (Washington Post)

Metro Pocket Guide for Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Washington, D.C.»

Metro’s Pocket Guide for Pope Benedict XVI’s Visit to Washington D.C. (D.C. Catholic)

 Pope's arrive in U.S. will be 'a moment of grace,' archbishop says»

Pope Benedict XVI has shared his two encyclicals on hope and love with the world so the faithful will "grow in their experience of God," said a former Vatican diplomat who now heads the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services. (CNS)

 Catholic News Service roundup of papal visit coverage»

Extensive coverage and links from Catholic News Service.

Sirius Satellite Radio announces comprehensive coverage of 2008 papal visit»

SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) announced today that it will offer listeners nationwide unprecedented access when His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI embarks on his first pastoral visit to the United States from April 15-20, 2008. (Sirius.com)