Well, D.C. rolled out the red carpet for the pope today, right down to the absolutely PERFECT weather (I'm serious, it really doesn't get any better than it was today) and the pothole-free popemobile route from the White House to the Vatican embassy (that's one way to get the D.C. streets fixed.)
The pope started his day with an adorable serenade of "Happy Birthday," in German no less, by a group of Catholic school students who were camped out across the road from the embassy's front door. To I think everyone's surprise (given the EXTREME security around him), the pope walked over to the group before getting in his car to thank them and shake some hands. I think he's been grinning from ear to ear all day.
At the White House, Papa B was treated to a beautiful rendition of the "Our Father" sung by opera star Kathleen Battle, and the President's Own along with their chorus offered a rousing "Battle Hymn of the Republic." The South Lawn of the White House was supposedly packed with about 9,000 people, all of whom spontaneously broke into yet another round of "Happy Birthday." It was clear that President Bush's speechwriters had done their homework as the president mentioned the need to fight against "the dictatorship of relativism" -- not only a key theme of this pope, but a quintesential phrase of Pope Benedict. The pope's remarks centered on the real meaning of freedom...full of lots of food for thought. (See related post.)
After the White House meeting, which I found out late today included a birthday cake and more singing, the popemobile made its first appearance. The streets were lined with people, but it looked like they were driving a little faster than most of us are used to seeing the popemobile move. In essence, it looked like a whole lot of people waited a long time this morning for all of about a 10-second glimpse.
This afternoon was the pope's meeting with the U.S. bishops at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Incidentally, if you've never been there, go. It's on the level of St. Peter's in size and grandeur. Anyway, I didn't expect his address to be televised, but was pleasantly surprised to find his face on the TV when I got home tonight. He addressed just about every major issue on the table -- clergy sex abuse crisis, immigration, combatting secularism and relativism, vocations, etc. At the end of his address, he even took questions -- albeit prepared questions that he had corresponding prepared answers to (I think he's chosen to stick to prepared texts in an effort to avoid misinterpretation of off-the-cuff remarks in the media).
But what struck me tonight was how happy he looked. Toward the end of the meeting, it looked like age and jetlag were taking a bit of a toll, but he was so clearly enjoying himself! He seemed to have a decided spring in his step as he was leaving the shrine and heading back to the car.
So tomorrow's the BIG day! Mass for 45,000 people in Nationals Park. I'll be up at an ungodly hour tomorrow morning to be sure I get to the stadium and make it through security in plenty of time. The weather's supposed to be postcard perfect again...a bit warmer than today. I've been tasked with trying to find local folks to interview since our reporters are confined to their assigned media places on the field. As part of that I'll have a digital camera with me, so I'll hopefully have some pictures to post!
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