Papal Visit

Pope Benedict XVI To Begin His Message Of Peace

WASHINGTON (CBS) ― Any papal visit is going to generate huge excitement among the faithful. But these visits have deeper purposes, and are often aimed at delivering a specific message.

Pope watchers say that with the papal's visit, don't expect the larger than life charisma that was visible with Pope John Paul II.

"One is the actor, the extrovert. The other is the writer, the introvert," said Reverend Michael Russo of St. Mary's College.

Father Russo, who is with the Newark diocese, but teaching at a California college says that Pope Benedict, the intellectual, will meet later in the week with non-Christian religious leaders; Hindus, Muslims and others.

"I think it's good will. Pontus means bridge and bridge maker," said Russo.

Catholics who attended Mass Tuesday morning in chapel below the National Basilica said the church needs not only better relations with other religions, but better relations from within its own flock.

"It's important because we're going in the wrong direction and for those who have ears, he may turn them around to go in the right direction," said churchgoer Carol Crain.

Pope Benedict, who turns 81 on Wednesday, and who spent some of his priestly life as a teaching theologian, leads a flock in the U.S. numbering around 65 to 70 million. Yet those who know him say he is a humble man. Monsignor James O'Connor, a pastor in Millbrook, New York, spent a day with then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in the early 80's driving him around. He described him as humble and blunt.

"You know you're going to get what he thinks when you ask a question. He's very soft spoken, but very direct," said O'Connor.

Starting at 10:30 on Wednesday, President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush will officially welcome the pontiff to the United States with a diplomatic reception on the south lawn of the White House.

The president and the pope will then move indoors for a private meeting where they are expected to discuss peace in the Middle East.

At 5:30, the pope will address the U.S. Bishops at the "Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception."

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

---