UNITED STATES
Contra Costa Times
MICHAEL TARM
Associated Press
CHICAGO - A place of sorrow after Pope John Paul II died became a place of celebration as Roman Catholic faithful gathered in downtown Chicago to mark the installation of new Pope Benedict XVI.
About 1,000 people gathered at Holy Name Cathedral on Sunday to take part in a special Mass for the German-born pontiff, who was formally installed earlier in the day at the Vatican. ...
In Boston, meanwhile, Archbishop Sean O'Malley urged parishioners to put aside any preferences they had for the office and focus on the importance of the pope as a healer and leader.
As O'Malley celebrated Mass, about 20 protesters gathered outside Cathedral of the Holy Cross to call attention to clergy sexual abuse.
Lynne Pollino, an organizer for the lay group Voice of the Faithful, said she's disappointed Benedict "doesn't give more rights to women, that he doesn't support gays."
However, she's hopeful that the new pope is serious about stopping clergy sexual abuse and about reaching out to victims. "I'm hoping that he will speak and meet with survivors," said Pollino, 60. "In that respect, I hear that he's a listener."
Posted by kshaw at April 25, 2005 06:12 AM