Scott McCabe and Jeanette Der Bedrosian, The Examiner
2008-04-18 07:00:00.0
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WASHINGTON -

Pope Benedict XVI presided over Mass at a glittering Nationals Park stadium Thursday, urging Americans to confront the troubling issues of the times.

Washington’s new baseball stadium was converted into a dazzling outdoor cathedral for more than 46,000 worshippers from around the world. A jubilant roar rose as Benedict entered the park through the center field gates in his popemobile and slowly circled the grounds to the sounds of horns, organs and singing choirs.

Speaking under a huge gold and white canopy that rose to the top levels of the stadium, Benedict said the American church and society as a whole had reached a crossroads. He called on the “profound harmony of faith and reason” to empower Catholics to overcome the breakdown in society’s foundation.

“The church sees signs of immense promise in her many strong parishes and vital movements, in the enthusiasm for the faith shown by so many young people,” the pope said.

Rob Connelly, of Wilmington, Del., said the ceremony — held in English and Spanish in some parts, with prayers led in different languages — reminded him “that there [are] a lot of cultures within the faith. It was great.”

Kat Porter, 26, of Whitley Park, said the best part was “Saying ‘Our Father’ with 46,000 other people and the pope, who I never expected I would even share the same air with.”

Narda Theobald, of Bowie, said she had to hold back tears throughout the ceremony. She and her husband, Mike, said they were awed by the large scale of the event, yet felt anchored by the familiarity of the Mass.

The pope again addressed the sexual abuse scandal that has scarred thousands of people.

“No words of mine could reflect the pain and harm of such abuse,” he said.

Outside the ballpark, about 500 people watched the Mass on a big screen while dozens of protesters used bullhorns to try to speak over the pope.

“You people are good pagans!” one man shouted.

Cheryl Kerwin, of Upper Marlboro, tried to ignore the demonstrators and stood on the outside looking in with her three grandchildren.

“I wanted them to feel the electricity,” Kerwin said. “That man is important, he brings peace to the world.”

The pope leaves D.C. for New York City this morning for a 10:45 a.m. address to the United Nations General Assembly. His visit to New York continues through Sunday night, when he heads back to the Vatican.

smccabe@dcexaminer.com