The Holy Father Is Coming

Pope Benedict XV! Will be visiting the USA shortly and it is encouraging to learn that “a majority of Americans -- even those who are not Catholic -- say they have a favorable or very favorable view of Benedict XVI, according to a poll leading up to the Pope's trip to the United States.

”The supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus, Carl Anderson, announced the results of a poll taken by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion and released March 25. By a ratio of four and a half to one (58% to 13%), respondents said they had a favorable or very favorable view of the Pontiff. The poll also found that 65% have a favorable view of the Catholic Church, although a higher portion, 28%, have a negative view.

”Forty-two percent of Americans said that they would like to attend one of the Pope's public appearances while he is in the United States this April 15-20, and 66% of Catholics said they'd like to attend one of the events.

”Seventy percent or more want to hear the Holy Father speak about: allowing God to be a part of their daily lives (73%), finding spiritual fulfillment by sharing their time and talent (71%) and how they can make a positive difference in the world, their state and communities (70%). Nearly two-thirds (64%) expressed an interest in hearing Benedict XVI talk about how they can have a society where spiritual values play an important role.” (Zenit)