"I am coming as a friend and a herald of the Gospel, as one who greatly respects this vast pluralist society". It was ensured today by the Pope in his first official speech on the American soil from the White House in Washington. "The American Catholics have given and keep giving an excellent contribution to the life of their country", began Benedict XVI, recalling that his eighth international apostolic journey "falls on an important time in the life of the Catholic community in America, i.e. the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the raising of the first diocese of the country, Baltimore, to a metropolitan archdiocese and the foundation of the Sees of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Louisville". "As I am about to begin my visit went on the Pontiff , I confide that my presence may be a source of renewal and hope for the Church in the United States and may strengthen the determination of the Catholics to contribute even more responsibly to the life of the Nation of which they are proud to be the citizens".
