Pat Korten - White House welcome
Dateline: Andrews Air Force Base, 2:30 pm Tuesday, April 15 - As Pope Benedict's Boeing 777 jet ("Shepherd One") nears the end of its journey from Rome, and the crowd of greeters fills the bleachers here, I am beginning to grasp the historical nature of what's about to occur.
It's not the first papal visit to the United States, of course. And it's not Benedict's first U.S. visit, either. But it is the first time that the President has ever come out to Andrews to greet a visiting head of state. And it is a measure of how close U.S.-Vatican relations have become in the 25 short years since formal diplomatic relations were first established under President Reagan.
The Pope, we are told, admires America both because it rescued Europe from the horors of the Nazi Germany of his youth, and because of the formula we have developed for ensuring religious freedom - a system that encourages religious faith to flourish without government involvement or direct support.
President Bush, a Methodist who much admires this Pope and much that is Catholic as well, returns the Pope's admiration with his own. It's a wonderful note on which to begin this week's visit, and a spectacular Spring day in Washington to boot.
I wish all our readers could be here with us!
Thank you for providing this valuable resource. Today is a day that Catholics all over the U. S. have waited for. I pray the Holy Father's visit is fruitful, and the media allows his message (Christ our Hope) to be heard. We know the Knights, The Catholic Channel and EWTN will be there the entire way - thank God for that. It is a proud day to be a Roman Catholic and a Knight.
Vivat Jesus!
Posted by: Nick | April 15, 2008 at 05:18 PM
I was very glad to catch the opening coverage on EWTN as the Pope's plane landed in Washington. I enjoyed Carl Anderson's commentary... The new perspective was refreshing!
Posted by: Ray | April 15, 2008 at 06:17 PM
Quite a warm and welcoming gesture/manifestation of our national sense of hospitality directed towards the Holy Father & his fellow travelers this afternoon by the President and his family.
Hopefully this upbeat tone, that has been set, will continue throughout Pope Benedict's entire visit to our land (which I understand that he has a great appreciation & affinity for).JMcH.
Posted by: J.M.McHale | April 15, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Mr. Korten et al.:
Fantastic coverage all around. If anyone misses the pontiff's messages, we'll know who NOT to blame.
Bill B., Wyoming
Posted by: Knights in Interaction | April 16, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Thank you for all the information on this wonderful website!
I am always proud of my Catholic faith, but this week I am even more proud to be a part of something so amazing and emotional. Thank you to the Holy Father, for traveling and visiting our homeland.
I know in my heart, that this visit will strenghen many Catholic's faith, and the Holy Father's message will be recieved with open arms, open minds, and open hearts.
God Bless,
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 16, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Thank you to the Holy Father for his visit.
May God continue to bless you with the wisdom to spread the love of Christ around the world!
Charlie
Posted by: Charlie | April 16, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Thank you for the wonderful reporting and details about this most important papal visit.
We Catholics speak ONE language of love and faith.
God be with you all and my family.
Claus G. Wagner-Bartak
Posted by: Dr. Claus Graf Wagner-Bartak | April 17, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Thank you KoC for hosting this web site and being in the media forefront. The Holy Father has personally touched my heart with his compassion and willingness to speak truthfully about church issue.
Posted by: Paul L, #9673 Woolmarket, MS | April 18, 2008 at 07:12 AM
I truly thank EWTN & KOC for this blessed reporting. I heartfully thank our HOLY FATHER for visiting the USA on his birthday 4/16/08. My husband died on 4/16/01.Every year I was sick on this day,until I found out that POPE BENEDICT XV1'S birthday is on 4/16/27.My husband served 10 yrs in the USA Army. Now,I am filled with unexplainable joy on this day! My heart truly thanks all of you. Peace be with all,Love Very Much, Mrs Kathleen K. Kolas ( KOLASINSKI). from St.Patrick's Church in LARGO,FL.
Posted by: kathleen kieper kolas | April 20, 2008 at 02:23 AM
Finally 'living proof' witnessed via the the recent Words, deeds and reflections of our Holy Father Benedict XVI during his 5.5 day, worldwind visit here to the U.S. demonstrating ample evidence, in the most dignified, measured & Christlike of ways, concerning the existence of a credible, upbeat message of hope for mankind.
This timeless instruction was reassuringly addressed to those of us---(perhaps most in need of just such an offsetting message)---who may occasionally find themselves worn down by the many of the non-stop erroneous notions that seem to bandied about these days.
To followers of Christ & ALL of humanity, what a great & special 'pep-talk' it was that may be summarized by the fact that there still exists a ton of hope within this temporal world that we presently dwell......Now there's something to hang one's hat on!
Posted by: J.M.McHale | April 20, 2008 at 10:36 PM