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Benedict Brings Down the House That Ruth Built

Pope's homily brings 60,000 Catholics to their feet in Yankee Stadium

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 20, 2008 3:20 PM CDT

(Newser) – With pop music blaring and a roaring crowd, Yankee Stadium might have easily been hosting a rock concert today, reports the New York Times, rather than the rock star of Catholicism. The object of the adoration of 60,000 was Pope Benedict XVI, who finished up his US tour by celebrating the New York diocese's 200th anniversary and calling for Catholic unity in his homily.

Musical luminaries ranging from Harry Connick Jr. to the Harlem Gospel Choir to Irish tenor Ronan Tynan entertained the crowd ahead of the popemobile's arrival. During his homily, the pontiff praised the United States as a place where Catholics can freely practice religion as well as participate in civic life. But while he avoided the topics of contraception and homosexuality, he spoke out against abortion.

Visitors watch performances while waiting for Pope Benedict XVI to arrive and celebrate Mass at Yankee Stadium in New York, Sunday, April 20, 2008.
Visitors watch performances while waiting for Pope Benedict XVI to arrive and celebrate Mass at Yankee Stadium in New York, Sunday, April 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Conflicting groups of protestors demonstrate outside before a Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI at Yankee Stadium Sunday, April 20, 2008 in New York.
Conflicting groups of protestors demonstrate outside before a Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI at Yankee Stadium Sunday, April 20, 2008 in New York.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass at Yankee Stadium in New York on Sunday, April 20, 2008.
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass at Yankee Stadium in New York on Sunday, April 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Chang W. Lee)
Pope Benedict XVI gestures during Mass Sunday, April 20, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in New York.
Pope Benedict XVI gestures during Mass Sunday, April 20, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in New York.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)
Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives to celebrate Mass Sunday, April 20, 2008 at Yankee stadium in New York.
Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives to celebrate Mass Sunday, April 20, 2008 at Yankee stadium in New York.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Harry Connick  Jr. and Kim Burell perform prior to a  Mass by Pope Benedict XVI at Yankee Stadium in New York, Sunday April 20, 2008.
Harry Connick Jr. and Kim Burell perform prior to a Mass by Pope Benedict XVI at Yankee Stadium in New York, Sunday April 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mike Segar)
Pope Benedict XVI, left, arrives to celebrate Mass at New York's Yankee Stadium Sunday, April 20, 2008.
Pope Benedict XVI, left, arrives to celebrate Mass at New York's Yankee Stadium Sunday, April 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dancers perform at New York's Yankee Stadium prior to a Mass by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday April 20, 2008.
Dancers perform at New York's Yankee Stadium prior to a Mass by Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday April 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mike Segar)
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