Pope Benedict’s three-day visit to New York City was awesome. From the moment he landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Friday, April 18 he brought his message of hope and love.
Adoring faithful by the thousands and throngs of others welcomed him like the pilgrim he is and elevated his presence in our city to that of super celebrity. He wore that mantle well.
His message was delivered in various venues, from airport hangars, to addressing the world at the United Nations, to a synagogue and even a small parish church.
Before coming to New York, Pope Benedict had taken time out of his choreographed schedule in Washington to meet with victims of the church’s pedophile-priest scandal. He prayed with them as they wept.
Following a Mass for the priests, deacons and members of many religious orders on Saturday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Pope Benedict traveled to Yonkers for a youth rally.
On Sunday, Pope Benedict’s voice sounded strong and resolute as he blessed Ground Zero, bringing much comfort and a degree of closure to the many families who lost loved ones during that dark time in our city’s history.
Later that afternoon, 60,000 lucky worshipers filled Yankee Stadium and celebrated a Papal Mass.
His energy belied the fact that he turned 81 during his six-day visit in Washington D.C. and New York and was matched only by his ever present smile and upbeat attitude.
He came, he spoke and Pope Benedict definitely conquered all whom he touched with his words and prayers.
Kudos to the NYPD et al.
We are compelled to praise the New York Police Department (NYPD) for the incredible job they collectively did in protecting Pope Benedict as well as all of the faithful and the city at large during the three-day visit by his Holiness.
The scope of the security job was put perfectly by Police Commissioner Ray Kelly when asked if the visit was like a UN general assembly followed by a parade and a presidential visit - responded with a chuckle and the word, “Yes.”
The NYPD used its complete arsenal of hardware from helicopter surveillance to rooftop snipers to frozen zones and bomb-sniffing dogs. They even had harbor units and scuba teams in the East River.
Utilizing virtually the entire police force to check for tickets to various events and venues, the NYPD worked closely with the Secret Service and the Vatican’s own security for the Pope - The Swiss Guard.
We say thank you to all of the security personal who did a thoroughly professional job of protecting Pope Benedict, and the rest of us and our city.
