Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Pope Says Mass at Stadium

Benedict remarks on 'pain' of sex abuse scandal in appearance before 46K

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 17, 2008 8:56 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Washington's Nationals Park was transformed into a church today as more than 46,000 gathered to hear Pope Benedict XVI say Mass. Beer stands were replaced with confessionals and choirs filled the outfield as the popemobile circled the bases, the Washington Post reports. Giving his homily in English and Spanish, Benedict again warned against society's growing secularism and addressed the sexual abuse scandal.

“No words of mine can describe the pain inflicted by such abuse,” Benedict said, vowing that the church was doing its utmost to protect children. A predominantly Catholic audience packed the stadium, lining up as early as 6am. “I've never seen a pope before,” said one eager altar boy. Many roamed outside looking for tickets, including one man whose sign read, “Need one miracle.”

The Popemobile, with Pope Benedict XVI aboard, makes his entrance for a Mass, Thursday, April 17, 2008, at Washington Nationals baseball Park in Washington.
The Popemobile, with Pope Benedict XVI aboard, makes his entrance for a Mass, Thursday, April 17, 2008, at Washington Nationals baseball Park in Washington.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Pope Benedict XVI, riding in the Popemobile, makes his entrance in Washington Nationals baseball Park in Washington, Thursday, April 17, 2008, for a Mass.
Pope Benedict XVI, riding in the Popemobile, makes his entrance in Washington Nationals baseball Park in Washington, Thursday, April 17, 2008, for a Mass.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Pope Benedict XVI reacts to the crowd at the conclusion of a Papal Mass, Thursday, April 17, 2008, at Washington Nationals Park in Washington.
Pope Benedict XVI reacts to the crowd at the conclusion of a Papal Mass, Thursday, April 17, 2008, at Washington Nationals Park in Washington.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Pope Benedict XVI walks down the center aisle after celebrating Mass at Washington Nationals Park in Washington, Thursday, April 17, 2008.
Pope Benedict XVI walks down the center aisle after celebrating Mass at Washington Nationals Park in Washington, Thursday, April 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Pope Benedict XVI walks through Washington Nationals Park in Washington, Thursday, April 17, 2008, after celebrating a Mass.
Pope Benedict XVI walks through Washington Nationals Park in Washington, Thursday, April 17, 2008, after celebrating a Mass.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Little Sisters of the Poor use their communal cell phone as they wait for the Papal Mass with Pope Benedict XVI, Thursday, April 17, 2008, at Nationals baseball Park in Washington.
Little Sisters of the Poor use their communal cell phone as they wait for the Papal Mass with Pope Benedict XVI, Thursday, April 17, 2008, at Nationals baseball Park in Washington.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A procession of Catholic clergy walk on the field of Washington Nationals baseball Park in Washington, Thursday, April 17, 2008, to attend the Mass by Pope Benedict XVI.
A procession of Catholic clergy walk on the field of Washington Nationals baseball Park in Washington, Thursday, April 17, 2008, to attend the Mass by Pope Benedict XVI.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
A procession of Catholic clergy walk on the field of Washington Nationals baseball Park in Washington, Thursday, April 17, 2008, to attend the Mass by Pope Benedict XVI.
A procession of Catholic clergy walk on the field of Washington Nationals baseball Park in Washington, Thursday, April 17, 2008, to attend the Mass by Pope Benedict XVI.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Members of the Catholic clergy make their way to their seats for the Mass of Pope Benedict XVI, Thursday, April 17, 2008, at Nationals baseball Park in Washington.
Members of the Catholic clergy make their way to their seats for the Mass of Pope Benedict XVI, Thursday, April 17, 2008, at Nationals baseball Park in Washington.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Little Sisters of the Poor learn to use their communal cell phone as they await the Papal Mass with Pope Benedict XVI at Nationals Park in Washington, Thursday, April 17, 2008.
Little Sisters of the Poor learn to use their communal cell phone as they await the Papal Mass with Pope Benedict XVI at Nationals Park in Washington, Thursday, April 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
A priest from the Archdiocese of Washington, arranges the communion offerings as last minute preparations are made for the mass of Pope Benedict XVI at Nationals Park, Thursday, April 17, 2008.
A priest from the Archdiocese of Washington, arranges the communion offerings as last minute preparations are made for the mass of Pope Benedict XVI at Nationals Park, Thursday, April 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Benedict praises US, but warns of secular changes
New York Times

Americans crowd streets to greet Pope
Voice of America

 
Pope Benedict XVI • Catholic Church • Washington DC • Catholicism • mass • Nationals stadium • Pope Benedict's US visit

More Newser Stories

US Catholics Like Benedict, but Not Rome

NY, DC Prep for Papal Visit

Pope Fans Rush for Tour Tickets

Catholics Blast Nicki Minaj's Grammy Stunt

Pope Greeted by Protesters Upon Arrival in Germany
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne