Washington
17 April 2008
Pope Benedict XVI has celebrated an outdoor Mass for more than 45,000 people in Washington, D.C. The pope expressed concerns about problems in modern society and once again addressed the sex scandal that has rocked the church. VOA Correspondent Meredith Buel reports from Washington.
Most Catholic dioceses in America now require criminal background checks on employees and have taught parents and children how to recognize signs of abuse.
Near the end of the Mass Benedict walked down from the altar to distribute Holy Communion.
At the conclusion of the two-hour service he blessed the cheering crowd and strolled through a multitude of the faithful who reached out to shake his hand or touch his robe.
For Catholics like Odianosen Igene it was a moving service.
"I am just thankful to God to be in the presence of the pope," said Igene. "This is my first time ever seeing a pope and it was something special. I felt very honored."
Marylou Francisco had a similar experience.
"It was wonderful," she said. "It was so peaceful. It was so great."
Pope Benedict will address the United Nations Friday in New York.