Grand welcome for Pope in the US

(April 17, 2008) An enthralled crowd of more than 13,500 twice sang “Happy Birthday” to Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday, and US President George W. Bush said that the Pope’s presence in the country was a reminder for Americans to “distinguish between simple right and wrong.” “We need your message to reject this dictatorship of relativism and embrace a culture of justice and truth,” Bush said in brief remarks welcoming Benedict to the White House. “In a world where some see freedom as simply the right to do as they wish, we need your message that true liberty requires us to live our freedom not just for ourselves, but in a spirit of mutual support.”
The pontiff turned 81 Wednesday, the first full day of his first trip to the United States as leader of the world's Roman Catholics. His 90-minute stay at the White House - only the second ever by a pope - was accompanied by the kind of pomp and pageantry rarely seen even on grounds accustomed to routinely welcoming royalty and the world's most important leaders. The vast South Lawn was filled to nearly bursting with the largest crowd of Bush's presidency, requiring a large television screen so those farther back could see. Thousands unable to get inside filled Washington's streets as well, playing music and waving banners as they waited for a hoped-for glimpse of the pontiff passing by later in his popemobile.
An almost serenely quiet papal arrival at the White House preceded the program as Pope Benedict's limousine pulled up to a greeting from Bush and his wife, Laura. The two leaders strolled along a red carpet to a platform set up on the lawn, and sat side-by-side as the Marine Band played the national anthem of the Holy See while a 21-gun salute sprayed gray smoke into the air. Famed American soprano Kathleen Battle sang “The Lord's Prayer.” The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps marched by, dressed in colonial attire.
“I come as a friend, a preacher of the Gospel and one with great respect for this vast pluralistic society.” These were among the first words pronounced publicly by Pope Benedict XVI during his official reception at the White House. He thanked President George W. Bush for his welcome on behalf of the American people and wished that his presence would be a source of renewal and hope for the Church in the United States, and strengthen the resolve of Catholics to contribute ever more responsibly to the life of this nation, of which they are proud to be citizens.
Pope Benedict said that his visit coincides with an important moment in the life of the Catholic community in America: the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the elevation of the country’s first Diocese – Baltimore – to a metropolitan Archdiocese, and the establishment of the Sees of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Louisville. Nevertheless, he was in the Untied States as a guest of all Americans.
Pope Benedict then analyzed the spirit of freedom of the American soul, that, above all, recognizes the Almighty in shaping the destiny of a nation. “From the dawn of the Republic, America’s quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator,” the Pope said. This was the conviction that inspired the framers of America’s constitution, when they proclaimed the “self-evident truth” that all men are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights grounded in the laws of nature and of nature’s God.
The Pope said that during the current visit he would meet not only Catholics but also other Christian communities and religious traditions, all of whom, he said, have found in America the freedom to worship God according to their conscience. He hoped that these religious beliefs would be a precious source of insight and inspiration in order to build a more humane and free society.
“Freedom is not only a gift, but also a summons to personal responsibility. Americans know this from experience – almost every town in this country has its monuments honouring those who sacrificed their lives in defence of freedom, both at home and abroad. The preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good and a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate.
The Pope explained that freedom also demands the courage to engage in civic life and to bring one’s deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate… for the cause of good, just as his predecessor Pope John Paul II did. In reflecting on the spiritual victory of freedom over totalitarianism in his native Poland and in eastern Europe, Pope John Paul reminded us that history shows, time and again, that “in a world without truth, freedom loses its foundation”, and a democracy without values can lose its very soul. This echoes the conviction of America’s first President George Washington, who said that religion and morality represent “indispensable supports” of political prosperity.
TPope Benedict said that the Church wishes to contribute to building a world ever more worthy of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God. She is convinced that faith sheds new light on all things, and that the Gospel reveals the noble vocation and sublime destiny of every man and woman. Faith also gives us the strength and the hope that inspires us to work for an ever more just and fraternal society.
Democracy can only flourish, as America’s founding fathers realized, when political leaders and those whom they represent are guided by truth and bring the wisdom born of firm moral principle to decisions affecting the life and future of the nation. Pope Benedict then talked of his important appointment on Friday with the United Nations, where he will encourage efforts to make the world body an ever more effective voice for the legitimate aspirations of all the world’s peoples. With the UN marking the 60th anniversary of its Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, the pope said, the need for global solidarity is as urgent as ever, if all people are to live in a way worthy of their dignity – as brothers and sisters dwelling in the same house and around that table which God’s bounty has set for all his children.
Pope Benedict expressed appreciation for America’s generosity in meeting immediate human needs, fostering development and offering relief to the victims of natural catastrophes. He hoped this spirit will continue to find expression in efforts to resolve conflicts and promote progress so that coming generations will be able to live in a world where truth, freedom and justice can flourish – a world where the God-given dignity and rights of every man, woman and child are cherished, protected and effectively advanced.