Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Welcome, Pope Benedict!

The pope is here! The pope is here!

After months of anticipation, Pope Benedict XVI arrived today at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland 10 minutes ahead of schedule. And he stepped off the plane to be greeted not just by President Bush, Laura Bush and Jenna Bush, but clear blue skies, bright sunshine and a bit of a breeze. First time the weather's broken in the D.C. area in weeks!

We watched the papal arrival on TV in the office while trying to get this week's issue of the paper off to the printer. Granted, the TV was one of those rabbit-ear, black and white sets that won't work come next February, but the reception was better than what we were all able to get over our Internet connections.

It still strikes me to see the pope bounding down the stairs of an airplane and strolling across the tarmac. I'm too young to remember much of John Paul II's younger days. It just amazes me the energy this 80 (soon to be 81)-year-old has.

Anyway, the pope's safely tucked away at the Vatican embassy in D.C. and tomorrow starts the whirlwind of activity. I'm packing my patience for the Metro ride, and hoping to get to bed early tomorrow night ahead of the Mass at the stadium!

I'll keep you posted!

1 comment:

Sheila said...

I can't wait you are going to be the eyes and the ears for those of us who are not lucky enough to get a chance to see him ourselves. I am anxiously awaiting your next post. Miss you!