Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Benedict XVI reflects on U.S. visit, recalls highlights

Vatican City, Apr 30, 2008 / 10:06 am (CNA).- Pope Benedict dedicated his reflections today to his recent apostolic journey to the United States, which, he said, in its multicultural plurality and founded on the basis of a "happy marriage" of religious principles, ethical and political rights, is an example of healthy secularism.

Recalling each stage of his journey, the Holy Father expressed gratitude for being able to announce the gospel of hope, as well as his appreciation for all those who welcomed him and for those who supported him in prayer during the journey.

After noting how the motive for his U.S. visit was the bi-centenary of the elevation of the country's first diocese, Baltimore, to the status of metropolitan archdiocese, and the foundation of the sees of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Louisville, the Holy Father affirmed that his aim had been "to announce to everyone the message that 'Christ is our Hope', the phrase which was the theme of my visit".

During his meeting with President Bush at the White House, Pope Benedict said he had an opportunity to "pay tribute" to a nation where the "the religious dimension in the diversity of its expressions, is not only tolerated but valued as a ‘soul’ of the nation and the guarantee of fundamental rights and duties."
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 4:59 PM