B16 in the USA

From April 15-20 of this year, a newcomer will touch down in the United States, and those who are preparing for his arrival are abuz with the details. For the first time in his now three-year-long pontificate, Benedict XVI is coming to the United States.

The theme for this visit has been advertised as Christ our Hope, and therefore Benedict XVI is in a sense a pilgrim of hope for our neighbours to the south. Details about the plans for this trip are available on a website which has been set up by the Knights of Columbus, one of His Holiness' major sponsors. This use of the web will allow not only those who will be privileged enough to partake in this visit, but other American Catholics from all over the country to follow the visit. In addition, other pope watchers will also be tuning in - be sure of it.

What news will Benedict XVI be bringing to the Church in the United States? What encouragement will he bring and what challenges will he throw to the leadership as well as the people in the pews? Some would say that we've already been granted a glimpse of this courtesy of a recent visit to the United States by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarsisio Bertone. For more details about this theory, visit Whispers in the Loggia and check out the post entitled Pope Trip08: The Lost Prefaces. It was published on March 27 of this year.

Just released today is the news that during his upcoming visit, not only dignitaries but the general public will have a chance to see His Holiness. Details about the routes to be travelled during his three-day visit are still being finalized, but the popemobile is already en route to the States, and will be used to transport Benedict XVI as he travels between the White House (following his meeting with President Bush) and the Catholic University of America, where he is expected to address students.

Will Benedict XVI's pilgrimage to Washington and New York bring back memories of John Paul II's visits to the United States? What new life will this historic visit bring for the American people, and especially for the Church in that country. Stay tuned.