WAITING FOR THE HOLY FATHER

As the hour for the Pope's arrival approached,
we were ushered to our seats.
It turned out that we had seats on the second row
just a few feet from the podium.

There were many guests of State seated across
from us. Here you can see the Vice President and
Mrs. Cheney, and at the left Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi.

We were excited to see Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. Here she is talking to Paul Pelosi.

Among other attendees we saw Tommy Lasorda, former coach of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
A photographer friend noted that Lasorda established his place right in the midst of the photo journalists. But he
was in good spirits, and entertained them with stories
about the good old days during the wait.

The Marine Corps Band was flanked by representatives
of the Knights of Columbus, in their festive dress,
and Boy and Girl Scouts in their uniforms.
Some 10,000 people gathered on the South Lawn,
and many were seated in bleachers specially
erected for the ceremony.

Diane and I can be seen at left.
In front, and to the right, are two Greek Orthodox clergy.
The priest in the foreground on our row is
the Rev. Dr. Luis Leon, Rector of the Church where
the President and Mrs. Bush often worship.

Just before the ceremony began,
The Marine Corps trumpeters came to the
balcony outside the Oval Office.
They gave a fanfare as the Pope's
limousine pulled up to a red carpet
laid out for his arrival.

At the fanfare, everyone rose in anticipation.
The red hats are those of the Cardinals who had
front row seats at the Pope came to call.