Pope Benedict's US visit news stories on Newser

Benedict's US Trip Improved His Image

Neil Turitz — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:40:04 CDT

Both the pontiff and the Catholic Church got an image boost following the pope's recent US visit, reports Reuters. A post-trip poll found that 61% of Americans, both Catholics and non-Catholics, believe the pope's 6-day stint met or exceeded their expectations; 65% now have a more positive view of Pope...

Pundit's Pontificating Draws Fire

Sam Gale Rosen — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:58:10 CDT

Not for the first time, people are calling for Bill Maher's head—in this case for taking pot shots at Pope Benedict XVI on his HBO show. "If you have a few hundred followers and you let some of them molest children, they call you a cult leader," Maher said....

To Animal Lovers, He's the Cat's Meow

Matt Cantor — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:54:14 CDT

One group of Catholics who weren't surprised to see Pope Benedict XVI's "softer side" on his visit to the US are devout cat lovers. Benedict harbors a legendary fondness for felines; his house in Germany was filled with them, and in his former Vatican post he looked after cats who...

Pope Benedict Leaves US After 6-Day Visit

Laurel Jorgensen — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:31:54 CDT

Pope Benedict XVI concluded his 6-day US visit today, boarding the papal jet at JFK aqirport to return to the Vatican. “The time has come for me to bid farewell to your country,” Benedict said. “May God bless America.” Dick Cheney attended the departure ceremony, which capped Benedict’s day of...

Benedict Brings Down the House That Ruth Built

Katherine Thompson — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 15:20:25 CDT

With pop music blaring and a roaring crowd, Yankee Stadium might have easily been hosting a rock concert today, reports the New York Times, rather than the rock star of Catholicism. The object of the adoration of 60,000 was Pope Benedict XVI, who finished up his US tour by...

Pope Prays at Ground Zero

Caroline Zimmerman — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 11:09:00 CDT

Pope Benedict XVI got on his knees at Ground Zero today to bless the site where 2,600 people died and pray for the victims of the 9/11 attacks and their grieving families. "Turn to your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred," he said,...

Rudy Flouts Communion Ban at Pope Mass

Mary Papenfuss — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:15:00 CDT

Twice-divorced one-time GOP presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani started angry tongues wagging yesterday when he received communion at the pope's mass, which is contrary to church rules. As a divorced Catholic, Giuliani is barred from receiving communion, yet he stepped up to the altar with wife No. 3 at St. Patrick's...

25K Teens Rock at NY Pope Rally

Caroline Zimmerman — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:01:00 CDT

About 25,000 teens experienced Popemania today at a rocking rally in Yonkers, NY, the New York Daily News reports. After Kelly Clarkson belted out tunes, Benedict XVI emerged from a seminary meeting with disabled kids to receive gifts of bread and bless the crowd. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing," said...

Pope Prays for Healing After Abuse Scandal

Wesley Oliver — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:37:13 CDT

Pope Benedict XVI spent the third anniversary of his election to the papacy trying to comfort clergy still weathering the fallout from the priest sex abuse scandal, the AP reports. “I simply wish to assure you of my spiritual closeness,” Benedict said. The pontiff, addressing 3,000 people at New...