Pope Arrives in Washington for Six-Day Visit, NBC 12, April 15, 2008

Pope Arrives in Washington for Six-Day Visit

NBC 12
April 15, 2008

http://www.nbc12.com/news/state/17749304.html

The leader of the Catholic Church has arrived in Washington, D.C.

Pope Benedict XVII, who turns 81 tomorrow, is beginning a six-day visit to the United States.

The pontiff was greeted by President Bush and the First Lady, who made an unprecedented trip to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to welcome the arriving dignitary.

The pope will keep a busy schedule while in the country, offering Catholics an non-Catholics alike an important message.

"His message is going to be a message of faith, a message of hope," said the Most Rev. Donald Wuerl, the Archbishop of Washington. "He's going to be looking to the future and I think those words will be well-received."

Security is a challenge because the pope's schedule is so public. Both in Washington, D.C., and in New York, sniper teams will stand at the ready. Gunboats will patrol Washington.

Police are on the lookout for extremists after Osama bin Laden recently labeled the pope as an anti-Muslim crusader.

But Catholics, students and volunteers are thrilled to be a part of it all - while some are already protesting.

Barabara Dorris of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests says she wants to see real change in the Catholic church's attitude toward the priest abuse scandal.

"I don't want an apology," Dorris said, "Words are cheap - I want actions."

The Very Rev. David O'Connell, President of the Catholic University of America in Washington says talking about the scandal will be apart of the pope's itinerary.

"The fact that the pope will address this in some way during his visit here will show that he's truly concerned," O'Connell said.

In mid-air this morning, Pope Benedict said he was "deeply ashamed" of the sex scandal and will work to keep pedophiles out of the ministry.