Apr 14, 2008 11:17 pm US/Eastern
U.S. Catholics Eagerly Prepare For Papal Visit
Reporting
Adam May
WASHINGTON (WJZ) ―
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Pope Benedict will meet with President Bush.
The nation's capital is bustling with activity as final preps get underway for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI.
Adam May reports security officials in Washington, D.C. had a dress rehearsal Monday, not leaving anything to chance when the pope arrives Tuesday.
His plane, dubbed "Shepherd One," will touch down at Andrews Air Force Base for a personal welcome by President Bush. The two will sit down together on Wednesday.
"They share a lot of common values, especially when it comes to fighting terrorism and extremism [and] protecting minority rights," said Dana Perino, White House spokesperson.
"The pope could certainly turn to President Bush and say, 'I told you so,' because he, like Pope John Paul II, opposed the invasion in Iraq," said Father Thomas Resse from Georgetown University.
From Iraq to world hunger, from AIDS to human rights, the topics for the two world leaders are endless. But critics would like his ear, too. He's the first pope to visit since the sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.
Some of the week's events are costing millions and are so high-profile they're being planned by a Hollywood producer.
Church officials have issued 150,000 tickets, and they're pretty much spoken for, even though the quiet, Pope Benedict may not have the mass appeal of Pope John Paul II.
"By personality, Pope John Paul was very vivacious and gregarious. Pope Benedict, he's shy," said Father David O'Connell, president of Catholic University.
But he's still the leader of 1.1 billion Catholics worldwide, and many American Catholics will travel long distances just to be near him.
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