Apr 16, 2008 7:14 pm US/Eastern
Latest Papal Visit Draws Similarities, Contrasts
Faithful Recall John Paul II's 1979 Trip To U.S.
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi kisses the papal ring worn by Pope Benedict XVI as U.S. President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Paul Pelosi look on during an arrival ceremony at the White House on April 16, 2008, in Washington, D
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
This is the first visit for Pope Benedict XVI as pontiff to the United States. For many followers, they can't help but compare this visit with that of Pope John Paul II.
It is hard living in another person's shadows, even if you are Pope Benedict XVI.
Many Vatican historians and members of the clergy say Pope Benedict is following one of the most charismatic popes in history – John Paul II – and that is bound to ignite comparisons between the two leaders.
They note the passion and emotion that Pope Paul inspired in his faithful. He was also considered a pope for the television age. By contrast, Pope Benedict is known more for his strong grasp of volatile social issues and his ability to discuss them.
"I think he suffers a lot. One of the things he said when he was elected was I'm not Pope John Paul II. That he can never be that for you, but he'd do the best that he can," said CBS News Vatican analyst, Thomas Williams.
Nearly 85,000 people filed Giants Stadium back in 1995 to listen to Pope John Paul II's homily. His words moved the young and old.
"I'll always remember it. It was like a once in a lifetime thing and no one can ever take this away," a young girl said. "It was the most beautiful thing I'll ever see in my life."
Father Peter Colapietro, of "Church of the Holy Cross" in New York City, says for many Catholics, Pope John Paul II was all they knew. And he says people need to remember that this pontiff is relatively new to the national stage.
Pope Benedict XVI was elected just three years ago. Father Luke Sweeney with the Archdiocese of New York, believes this pontiff will continue to establish his own identity with each passing day and year.
"The fact that people might disagree with him just shows that Pope Benedict does have a clear identity," said Sweeney.
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