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Pope Benedict Uses Yankee Stadium Mass to Encourage Growth of Catholicism in the U.S.
By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 21, 2008
Modified Apr 21, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Apr 21, 2008
Modified Apr 21, 2008
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Photograph of Pope Benedict at Yankee Stadium from the AP
Yesterday afternoon, Pope Benedict XVI gave mass at Yankee Stadium, saying the Catholic Church must build upon its "solid foundations" and "impressive legacy" in America, "From a small flock...the church in America has been built up in fidelity to the twin commandment of love of God and love of neighbor."
He spoke in English and in Spanish and when he said Catholicism provides respect for the "inalienable dignity and rights of each man, woman and child in our world - including the most defenseless of all human beings, the unborn child in the mother’s womb," the crowd responded with "roaring applause." He also mentioned his shame over the sexual abuse scandal that rocked archdioceses all over the country and suggested ways Catholic schools could stay open and relevant, by, per the Sun, "[embracing] the Catholic-ness of Catholic schools and re-focus their missions on teaching religious truth."
The stadium was filled with almost 60,000 and teeming with energy. Mass attendees were dazzled by the pageantry; one said, "I have never seen Yankee Stadium so beautiful, and I have season's tickets." You can read the entire text of his homily here and you can download audio of it here.
Tagged
papal visit
pope benedict
popepourri
yankee stadium
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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