AFTER ACTION

I and Mrs. Stanton concluded
with a photo at the podium,
and then, in the company of the other ecumenical
representatives, began our walk back to
our hotel.

We were a mere 7 blocks from the White House,
and the walk wound through the George Washington University campus. We avoided (as much as we could)
Pennsylvania Avenue, because the street
was crowded with onlookers awaiting the
Pope's motorcade away from the
White House.

At the hotel, we went down to the cafe
for lunch. It was empty, of course.

From the window, we could see the advance of the motorcycle police as they led the motorcade. So I went outside to take some snapshots of the man we had just seen in the ceremonies.

Pope Benedict looked happy and eager to greet all the well-wishers who lined the strrets.

Later in the day, of course, he would meet with
some 360 bishops of the Roman Catholic Church
at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception,
not far from the Washington Cathedral.

It would be a long day. But the beginning of an important,
and from all reports, a very successful visit to the United States.

Next to the hotel was a Catholic Church with a huge
banner welcoming the Pope. It recalled the words of our Lord to Peter: "Upon this rock I will build my Church."
Pope Benedict, Peter's successor, is indeed a rock
of faith and faithfulness.

It was blessing to be in his presence.