Apr 8, 2008 5:21 pm US/Eastern
Pope Notes: Pre-Trip Prayer; Skateboarding Pontiff
VATICAN CITY (CBS) ―
Just one week before his U.S. visit, Pope Benedict XVI delivered a special message to the faithful Tuesday. From the Vatican, the pontiff asked Christians to pray for the success of his trip to Washington and New York.
Pope Benedict said when he address the United Nations next week, he will bring a message of hope for peace, justice, and freedom around the world.
CATHOLIC TEACHERS PRESS ON
While the Lay Faculty Association union threatens to strike during the Pope's visit, talks continue with another union: the Federation of Catholic Teachers. Representatives suspended their sick-out at 10 schools in the Archdiocese of New York.
The job action was called off following a negotiation session Monday night. The archdiocese and both unions are at odds over wages, health care, and pensions.
HALF-PIPE POPE?
One of the many gifts the Pope will receive when he arrives in the city will be a skateboard designed by a local child.
The Archdiocese of New York is holding a contest to see who could design the best one. After receiving 70 entries, they have narrowed the field down to three finalists.
The idea for the contest came from a youth skateboarding club at St. Elizabeth's Church in Washington Heights.
The design had to include the papal visit logo, the motto "Christ our hope," and only the colors "papal gold," black, white, and red.
Remember WCBS-TV is the only place to get comprehensive coverage of the Pope's visit to New York and Washington. Be sure to tune in for a full-series of live reports and anaylsys during the pontiff's visit.
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