Bishop Bootkoski’s reflection on Pope Benedict’s visit to U.S. in 2008

“I am the Good Shepherd. I know my sheep and they know me.”
-- John 10:14

Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the United States was truly a once in a lifetime experience for many including me. It gave us American Catholics the opportunity to witness firsthand our new pope -- the man who previously led the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, representing Christ in a very compassionate, loving way. It gave us a chance to know Benedict, our chief shepherd and pastor, whose pastoral sensitivity won him the hearts of the American people.

I had the honor to participate in seven papal events, three in Washington, D.C., and four in New York. Let me share my thoughts on some of them with you. At the White House reception for the pope on April 16, the Holy Father concluded his address with the words, “God Bless America.” He, too, blessed us with his visit. That evening, the pope addressed the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. It was a very positive experience for the bishops. Benedict was extremely supportive of our ministry. For me, this event was uplifting. It gave me a sense of pride in our Church that is trying to be the presence of Jesus Christ in our world and in our country and in our diocese.

On April 17, the Mass at Nationals Park exhibited the beauty and the diversity of the Catholic Church in the United States. Benedict’s message at Nationals Park, as it was throughout the visit, was one of hope. As much as everyone focused on his presence, what I was so very pleased about was that he really pointed to Christ. The pope is the Vicar of Christ but the message was not his own; it was Gospel-oriented and it was the message of Jesus Christ.

At Dunwoodie on April 19, I tried to greet as many of our young people as possible. Although there were more than 25,000 youth and seminarians there, our kids were easy to find because they all wore gold t-shirts. When the popemobile arrived, the crowd became electrified. I think the Holy Father was really taken aback by the enthusiastic reception, and I will never forget the wonderful smile that broke out on his face. The welcoming must have gone on 20 minutes with applause and shouts of “We love you Holy Father” and “Viva papa!.” In his address, he encouraged our youth to accept the Gospel message and to live it and to enter into the life of the Church.

In stark contrast to the Youth Rally, on April 20, I attended the pope’s visit to Ground Zero. Steven Coccia, director of the New York Port Authority, invited me to this most solemn and moving event. I was the only bishop under the tent that was situated on the upper level of Ground Zero. From there I watched as the Holy Father prayed and then greeted the 24 people representing survivors, family members of those who died and rescue workers. He spent time talking with each person. I talked with a firefighter whose son, also a firefighter, had been killed in the World Trade Center, and whose other son was one of the individuals who met with the pope. He told me that the visit brought him a sense of peace knowing that ground was made holy by the prayer and blessing of the Holy Father. I think the pope’s visit to Ground Zero and his ability to identify with our suffering really touched the lives of many Americans.

Later that afternoon, I participated in the Mass at Yankee Stadium, which was just spectacular. The diocese had 500 people in the stands. I tried to see them, but they were way in the back, and I was on the other side of the backdrop for the altar. They couldn’t see me and I couldn’t see them but I did wave.

During this visit, Benedict did not shy away from the clergy sexual abuse scandal. He spoke plainly about the scandal at several of his events. I was very pleased that he met with several victims and I appreciated the way he did it, meeting with them in private and not informing the media until afterwards. He met with them because he is their pastor and because they were hurting. He represented the Church that had hurt them, and he wanted to make amends, to bring about reconciliation. I was extremely moved by what I read in the newspapers about what the victims said about the meeting. I think he understands a little better the pain and the suffering they are going through.

I returned to our diocese with admiration for our pope. Benedict’s example to those of us who are in ministry was inspiring. He conveyed sensitivity, compassion and selflessness to the people.

It is my hope and prayer that the pope’s visit and the message of Christ’s hope and love which he left with us will be kept alive in our diocese, our parishes and our lives.