Pope Turns to Global Audience
Sarah Pollack
April 18, 2008
CWN.org - New York City is the last stop for the Pope on his first visit to the U.S.
His first stop was in the nation's capital, where thousands of Catholic faithful came out to see him.
Friday's New York Tour
On Friday, Pope Benedict delivered an address to the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York City, taking his first opportunity to truly talk globally.
He told world diplomats that respect for human rights was the key to solving many of the world's problems.
The pontiff said the organization's work is vital, but he raised concerns that power is concentrated among just handful of players.
"Multilateral consensus," he said, speaking in French, "continues to be in crisis because it is still subordinated to the decisions of a small number."
The world's problems call for collective interventions by the international community, he said.
"The promotion of human rights remains the most effective strategy for eliminating inequalities between countries and social groups, and increasing security," the pope said.
Before the pontiff's speech, Benedict and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met alone for 15 minutes.
Benedict's New York visit also includes a visit to Ground Zero, though he is not scheduled to speak. He will also lead a Mass at Yankee Stadium, visit a synagogue, and meet with leaders of other Christian denominations.
Massive Mass
More than 45,000 worshippers packed Nationals Stadium in D.C. for a historic mass with the Pope.
he spoke about how america has always been a nation of freedom, hope, and opportunity.
"Americans have always been a people of hope," he said.
But he pointed out how that dream fell short for slaves and Native Americans.
Growing Forgetfulness of God
He chided the country for what he called "a growing forgetfulness of God."
Earlier in the week, the Pope met with President Bush at a gala reception at the White House where thousands wished him a happy 81st birthday.
After the presidential welcome, Benedict praised America for its commitment to religious freedom and human rights.
"From the dawn of the Republic, America's quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator," he said.
The Pope concludes his trip with a visit to Ground Zero and a mass at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.
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