Ben Newell, The Examiner
2008-04-17 07:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

WASHINGTON -

Among the dignitaries set to meet Pope Benedict XVI today is Catholic University student Peter Osgood.

Osgood is slated to present his award-winning essay to the pope before the pontiff’s speech at the Northeast D.C. university.

“It’s so weird to think that the Vatican knew about this essay. Does the pope know who I am? Is he expecting me?” asked Osgood.

Osgood participated in the essay contest open to all students at Catholic University.

His composition, untitled and about 450 words, outlines the necessity for faith to be a major part of his education — a topic the pontiff will address in his highly anticipated speech at the school today.

Meeting the pope is an honor with its own set of traditions.

Catholics must kiss the pope’s ring while bowing or dropping to one knee. They can address him only as “Your Holiness” or “Most Holy Father.”

Osgood said he plans to do what everyone else is doing.

“If the guy in front of me is genuflecting, that’s probably what I will do.”

He will greet the pontiff in the Pryzbla Center, where Pope Benedict will deliver his hourlong speech to Catholic educators. Osgood does not know if he will get to speak to the pope, but he has a plan if given the opportunity. “I’ve heard that surgeons get their hands blessed, so if I get the chance to ask him, I will certainly see if I can get my hands blessed,” said Osgood, who plans to attend medical school after his graduation in May.