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The Papacy: Growing Role in the Coming Years?
The latest trip by John Paul II to the Americas underscores the popularity of an
aging yet dynamic religious figure.
by Joel Meeker
Crowds of people from all over the
United States and some from other countries flocked to St. Louis for the visit of
Pope John Paul II in late January. The governor of Missouri and U.S. House minority
leader Richard Gephardt joined the president and first lady, who flew from Washington
to welcome the pope to the United States.
The schedule of activities of the man considered by the Roman Catholic Church to
be the 264th pope included an evening visit to a rally attended by 21,000 youths.
To emphasize the youthful nature of the day-long rally, which included Christian
rock music and motivational speakers, tickets were available only to people under
age 23.
The mass at which John Paul officiated took place in the huge Trans World Dome, organized
for the event to seat more than 90,000, with overflow standing room available in
the adjoining convention center.
I watched the excitement grow as the crowd swelled. The air grew more charged as
the time approached for the pope to enter the stadium. His presence had a powerful
impact on his admirers. "He is such a great and holy pope," enthused 22-year-old
Sister Marie from the Convent of the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Martyr Saint
George in Alton, Illinois.
Brother Patrick of the Franciscan monastery in Meramec, Missouri, explained, "He
can unite the Catholic Church in a special way."
Papal Procession
Just before the pope's entrance, a procession of 250 cardinals and bishops, followed
by more 1,000 priests, entered the stadium in organized ranks.
Finally arriving in the specially modified white Mercedes vehicle known as the popemobile,
John Paul II toured the stadium to rapturous applause. Cries of "Viva Papa" rang
out, and were met with louder applause. Archbishop Justin Rigali introduced the pope
as "successor of Saint Peter and pastor of the universal church."
Amazingly, at one point when John Paul mentioned the name of Christ, I heard a loud
shout of "You are Christ" that could be heard through the whole dome. It made me
wonder how far some people would go in their admiration of him.
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