Pope Benedict to Visit United States in April 2008!!!

Pope Benedict XVI to visit the United States in April New York Times November 13, 2007:

Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to come to the United States in April, his first visit as the pope, and plans to make stops in Washington and New York, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops announced yesterday.

During his stay, scheduled for April 15 to April 20, the pope plans to visit ground zero in Lower Manhattan and is scheduled to address the United Nations on April 18, officials said. The subject of his address was not announced.

Pope Benedict is scheduled to meet with President Bush on April 16 at the White House. He will also meet with United States bishops at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington and celebrate Mass at the new Nationals Park stadium.

Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York said in a statement: “I have assured the Holy Father of a warm and prayerful welcome. We all look forward to his visit with pleasure and anticipation.”

In New York, the pope is scheduled to meet with other religious leaders at a parish that has not yet been named publicly. He also plans to celebrate Mass for members of religious orders at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on April 19.

On April 20, Pope Benedict is scheduled to visit ground zero. Later that day, he is to celebrate Mass at Yankee Stadium.