In the News

Since November, several news stories have detailed the pope's upcoming visit to the United States, including CUA. See the most recent stories below. To see an archive of older stories, please click here . Student Attendees Show Benedict's Youthful LegacyFrom: National Catholic Register  Date: April 27, 2008When senior Peter Osgood was accepted into The Catholic University of America four years ago, he expected to earn a degree. After four pope sightings she's busy counting her blessingsFrom: The Dialog  Date: April 24, 2008It's a tossup as to who got around Washington, D.C., more last week: Pope Benedict XVI or Joan Solomon. In love with 'grandpa'From: The Dialog Date: April 24, 2008Pope Benedict XVI probably considered the doors to the Edward J. Pryzbyla Catholic Center just another entry point when he visited The Catholic University of America last week. Pope Affirms, Challenges Catholic EducatorsFrom: Catholic News Service Date: April 24, 2008Author: Carol ZimmermannIn an address to U.S. Catholic educators April 17, Pope Benedict XVI thanked them for their work and urged them to continue to bring their students to a deeper understanding of faith "which in turn nurtures the soul of a nation." Chinese priest calls concelebrating papal Mass 'event of a lifetime'From: Catholic News Service Date: April 23, 2008Author: Barb FrazeA Chinese priest studying in Washington called concelebrating Mass with Pope Benedict XVI and more than 1,300 other priests and bishops "the event of a lifetime." Pontiff's personality shines through in NYCFrom: USA Today Date: April 21, 2008 Authors: Rick Hampson, Charisse Jones, Kevin McCoy and Cathy Lynn GrossmanBenedict XVI celebrated Mass before a loud, jubilant crowd at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, capping a U.S. visit marked by the pope's focus on clergy sexual abuse and by his emergence as someone more than an enforcer of doctrine - a pastor. Catholic Students Seek Papal Connection From: Washington Post Date: April 18, 2008Authors: Daniela Deane and William WanAs Pope Benedict delivered a message about academic freedom at American Catholic colleges yesterday, many students said they didn't relate to him as well as they did to his charismatic predecessor but were open to his message and excited to see him. Nuanced View of Academic Freedom From: Washington Post Date: April 18, 2008Author: Paul SchwartzmanPope Benedict XVI extolled the virtues of academic freedom yesterday, but he cautioned that scholarly pursuits and the search for truth must not undermine church doctrine. Educators urged to balance faith, academic freedomFrom: Washington Times Date: April 18, 2008Author: Amy Fagan Pope Benedict XVI yesterday told hundreds of Catholic educators that academic freedom is not an excuse to stray from Roman Catholic teachings or the responsibility to ensure that Catholic doctrine and practice "shapes all aspects" of university life. Pope Benedict Thanks Educators and Addresses Academic Freedom in Talk at Catholic U.From: Chronicle of Higher Education Date: April 18, 2008Author: Richard ByrneIn a warmly received address to Roman Catholic educators, including 200 college presidents, on Thursday, Pope Benedict XVI expressed "profound gratitude" for the educators' "selfless contributions," which "serve both your country and the church." At University Visited by Pope, Students Find a Catholicism That's 'Not in Your Face' From: New York Times Date: April 18, 2008Author: Neela BanerjeeWhen he was growing up in Hamilton, N.J., Dean Petrone went to Mass every Sunday. The Green PopeFrom: Newsweek Date: April 17, 2008Author: Daniel StoneBenedict XVI has embraced environmentalism. How he's using church teachings to urge Roman Catholics to take care of the earth. Pope: Catholic Colleges Should Be In Line With ChurchFrom: WRC-TV Date: April 17, 2008Before the meeting at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, Benedict addressed presidents from more than 200 Catholic colleges and universities at Catholic University. Pope's Visit To DC Ends With Interfaith Meeting From: WUSA-TV Date: April 17, 2008Author: Nancy YamadaThey may have fundamental differences, but Thursday night some 200 religious leaders gathered in solidarity, vowing to promote understanding and peace. Pope: Catholic Colleges Should be in Line with ChurchFrom: WJLA-TV Date: April 17, 2008Pope Benedict XVI told leaders of America's Roman Catholic colleges and universities Thursday that academic freedom has "great value" for the schools, but does not justify promoting positions that violate the Catholic faith. Ticketless Catholic University Students Watch the Mass OutdoorsFrom: WJLA-TV Date: April 17, 2008While about 46,000 people crowded into Nationals Park for the historic Papal Mass, many Catholic University students who didn't have tickets to the outdoor event watched the service on the campus lawn. Maintaining A Catholic IdentityFrom: Vatican Radio  Date: April 17, 2008Later today, Pope Benedict will meet with leaders of Catholic colleges and universities at Catholic University of America. Multitudes Gather for a Glimpse Or, Perhaps, a Touch of the Hand From: Washington Post Date: April 17, 2008Authors: Paul Schwartzman and Hamil R. HarrisThey reached the Vatican Embassy on Massachusetts Avenue NW early yesterday, a boy and his father hoping to see, touch or even trade a word with Pope Benedict XVI. Father O'Connell Discusses Pope's Speech at CUA From: CNN Date: April 16, 2008Host: Wolf BlitzerFather O'Connell discussed Pope Benedict XVI's speech at CUA on "The Situation Room" with Wolf Blitzer. Papal Visit Presents Security and Logistical Challenges for University From: Chronicle of Higher Education Date: April 16, 2008Author: Beckie SupianoThe pope is coming, and the Catholic University of America here is getting ready. A Back-to-Basics MessengerFrom: Washington Post Date: April 15, 2008Author: Michelle BoorsteinIn an era saturated with entertainment and politics, a key question looms as Pope Benedict XVI leaves here Tuesday for Washington: Is his style too dense to get Americans' attention? Benedict to make students' dreams come trueFrom: Washington Times Date: April 15, 2008Author: Kristi MooreThe students of Catholic University of America are eagerly awaiting Pope Benedict XVI's visit to campus, and dream of what they would say if given the opportunity to meet him. U.S. Catholic college presidents summoned to meet popeFrom: Los Angeles Times Date: April 15, 2008Author: Rebecca TrounsonIn a summons that is prompting both anticipation and unease, Pope Benedict XVI has asked the presidents of all U.S. Catholic colleges and universities, along with Catholic school superintendents from across the country, to meet with him this week during his East Coast visit. Pope Benedict to arrive in Washington today; diocesan Catholics plan to greet him From: Catholic Courier Date: April 15, 2008Authors: Jennifer Burke and Amy KotlarzThis afternoon Pope Benedict XVI will arrive in Washington, D.C., to begin his first visit to the United States since he became pope in 2005. Father O'Connell Discusses Pope's Visit on "The Situation Room"From: CNN Date: April 15, 2008Host: Wolf BlitzerFather O'Connell discusses the pope's U.S. visit on CNN's "The Situation Room" with Wolf Blitzer. To view video of the interview, click here . Pope Baseball T-Shirts And PrepsFrom: WUSA-TV Date: April 14, 2008Author: Brittany MorehouseOn a day when hundreds of high school students and their parents toured the campus, Catholic University students were preparing to greet Pope Benedict XVI. AP Q-and-A: Pope's Visit, Impact on U.S. Church From: Associated Press Date: April 14, 2008Reporter: John SeigenthalerThe president of The Catholic University of America sat down with John Seigenthaler to discuss Pope Benedict's first papal visit to the United States this week. Pontiff's Visit Seen As Rally for Church Beset by ProblemsFrom: Wall Street Journal Date: April 14, 2008Author: Suzanne SatalineAt Catholic University in Washington, undergraduates have been thinking up chants to shout when they greet Pope Benedict XVI on their campus later this week. A vibrant, if unorthodox, U.S. flock awaits pope's visitFrom: Los Angeles Times Date: April 14, 2008Authors: Tracy Wilkinson and Rebecca TrounsonIn his first pilgrimage to the United States as pope, Benedict XVI will minister to a Roman Catholic Church that is both troubled and alive with faith. Pope and Bush have foreign policy differencesFrom: Reuters Date: April 14, 2008Author: Tabassum ZakariaPope Benedict and President George W. Bush disagree on the Iraq war and other foreign policy issues, but their White House meeting this week may focus more on areas of agreement like abortion. U.S. Catholics Eagerly Prepare For Papal VisitFrom: WJZ-TV Date: April 14, 2008The nation's capital is bustling with activity as final preps get underway for the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Benedict to show his softer side on U.S. trip From: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Date: April 13, 2008Author: Ann RodgersWhen Pope Benedict XVI visits Washington, D.C., and New York this week, he'll be following the tough act of his popular predecessor, Pope John Paul II, who traveled the world and whose seven U.S. visits drew millions of worshippers and ignited a youth renewal movement in the church. Pope arriving for first U.S. visit From: Philadelphia Inquirer Date: April 13, 2008Author: David O'Reilly Despite his reputation as a stern guardian of Catholic orthodoxy, Pope Benedict XVI's first papal visit to the United States will likely be upbeat and positive, say church leaders. Pope's Visit Stirs Strong Emotions In FaithfulFrom: Tampa Tribune Date: April 13, 2008Author: Michelle BeardenHe stood among thousands of other Catholic faithful in St. Peter's Square, a pilgrim from South Pasadena who came to Rome to witness a historic moment. Bingo, car washes fund visit to pope From: Arkansas Democrat Gazette Date: April 13, 2008Author: Heather HahnChristie Powell yearned for her youth group to see Pope Benedict XVI, but she couldn't find tickets to any of his appearances during his historic first visit this week to the United States. Deflecting spotlight, pope is man of wordsFrom: Newhouse News Service Date: April 12, 2008Author: Carol Ann CampbellPope John Paul II would kneel to kiss the ground of foreign countries. He unleashed doves to signal peace. He placed a prayer of atonement in cracks of Jerusalem's Western Wall. Benedict XVI Ready to Meet America From: Associated Press Date: April 12, 2008Author: Victor SimpsonNext up for Pope Benedict XVI: a welcoming nation that wants to get to know him. Transforming Nationals Stadium Into a Spiritual CenterFrom: WJLA-TV Date: April 11, 2008The new Nationals Stadium is a great place to play baseball, but it's not exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think about prayer. Catholic University Prepares for Papal VisitFrom: WJLA-TV Date: April 11, 2008Reporter: Philip StewartCatholic University is putting the finishing touches on special preparations for Pope Benedict XVI's visit. Essay Contest Winner Honored with Chance to Meet the PopeFrom: WJLA-TV Date: April 11, 2008Reporter: Jackie CongedoIf you had five minutes with Pope Benedict himself, what would you say? The Popemobile on ParadeFrom: WJLA-TV Date: April 11, 2008Reporter: Philip StewartMore than 40,000 people are expected to crowd into Nationals Stadium to see Pope Benedict XVI, but even more will line streets to catch a glimpse of the pontiff. 'Crisis' with loss of Catholic schoolsFrom: Washington Times Date: April 11, 2008Author: Amy FaganAbout 300,000 elementary and high school students have been displaced by the closure of more than 1,300 Catholic schools since 1990, mostly in cities, and this "crisis" should be reversed by church leaders, the public, philanthropists and lawmakers, according to a report made public yesterday. Student designs pulpit for the PopeFrom: Asbury Park Press Date: April 10, 2008Author: Bill BowmanVictoria Englestad will pay particular attention next week when Pope Benedict XVI conducts a special Mass at the new Nationals Park baseball stadium in Washington, D.C. Essay Winner Wins Opportunity to Meet Pontiff From: Zenit News Agency Date: April 10, 2008The effects of a good Catholic education inevitably surface in the deeds of its students, said the winning Catholic University of America essayist who won the opportunity to meet Benedict XVI. Essay Contest Winner Will Meet the PopeFrom: WUSA-TV Date: April 10, 2008Author: Brittany MorehouseA senior biology major was chosen among 126 Catholic University students who entered a "meet the pontiff" contest. Papal Chair Being DeliveredFrom: WUSA-TV Date: April 10, 2008Author: Samara Martin EwingOn Friday, April 11, the chair in which Pope Benedict XVI will sit during his speech at Catholic University of America will be delivered to campus. Washington DC, New York Prepare for Pope Benedict VisitFrom: Voice of America Date: April 10, 2008Reporter: Meredith Buel The leader of the world's largest Christian church, Pope Benedict, is making his first official visit to the United States next week (April 15-20).  Thousands of American Catholics are expected to travel to New York and Washington, D.C. where the pope is scheduled to visit President Bush, celebrate Mass in two large stadiums, and meet with representatives of the world's major religions. Living As A Young CatholicFrom: WUSA-TV Date: April 9, 2008Author: Elizabeth JiaIn light of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Washington, 9NEWS NOW asked Washington's young Catholics about their faith. Followers Recall 1979 Papal Visit to Washington From: Voice of America Date: April 9, 2009Reporter: George Dwyer Next week (15-20 April 2008), Pope Benedict XVI makes his first official visit to the United States. CUA eager for papal visitFrom: The Washington Times Date: April 9, 2008Author: Amy Fagan The Catholic University of America is spending some $800,000 in landscaping, security and other campus preparations to host Pope Benedict XVI next week, an event that officials expect will attract close to 20,000 people to the campus. A Look Back Into Catholic University's History with Pope John Paul IIFrom: WJLA-TV Date: April 8, 2008Reporter: Philip StewartWhen Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Washington next week, it will make only the second time a pope has visited the nation's capital. It will also mark only the second papal visit to Catholic University. Through the Pope's EyesFrom: WJLA-TV Date: April 8, 2008Nearly three decades have passed since the nation's capital played host to a pontiff's visit. Potrait of the Pope as a Young ManFrom: WJLA-TV Date: April 8, 2008Reporter: Brianne CarterNews Channel 8's special two-week series on the pope and the papacy continues with an in-depth look at Pope Benedict XVI and the historical significance of his upcoming visit. The Significance of Pope's VisitFrom: WJLA-TV Date: April 8, 2008Reporter: Judy KurtzWhen Pope Benedict XVI visits America, it won't just be his first trip to the United States -- it will be the first time a pope has visited the nation's capital since 1979. Pope Returns to D.C. After Nearly 3 DecadesFrom: WJLA-TV Date: April 8, 2008The leader of the Roman Catholic Church hasn't made a trip to the D.C. area since 1979. Pope Benedict XVI's Global Reach to the PeopleFrom: WJLA-TV Date: April 8, 2008Reporter: Brianne CarterPope John Paul the Second was known as the people's pope. Pope to Host Interfaith Gathering During Visit to WashingtonFrom: Voice of America Date: April 8, 2008Reporter: George Dwyer Pope Benedict XVI will make his first official visit to the United States next week (April 15 - 20), with stops scheduled in Washington and New York City. Students and Deacon Collaborate to Make Altar for Papal MassFrom: Knights of Columbus Ryan Mullen and John-Paul Mikolajczyk are not sure which will be more exciting - seeing Pope Benedict XVI offer Mass at the altar they designed or having a chance to meet the pope himself. Preparing for the PopeFrom: The Chronicle of Higher Education Date: April 11, 2008The Very Rev. David M. O'Connell, president of The Catholic University of America, describes how his institution is getting ready to welcome Pope Benedict XVI, who has planned a visit this month. Papal Decree on Colleges Was 'a Call to Authenticity'From: The Chronicle of Higher Education Date: April 11, 2008Author: Richard ByrneThe Very Rev. David M. O'Connell is president of the Catholic University of America. He took up the post in 1998. He is a canon lawyer by training, and has been a staunch advocate of Ex corde Ecclesiae at his university and throughout Catholic higher education in the United States. For Catholic Educators, Eagerness and Angst Attend Pope's VisitFrom: The Chronicle of Higher Education Date: April 11, 2008Author: Richard ByrneNext week's visit to the United States by Pope Benedict XVI has created anticipation - and anxiety - among the leaders of Roman Catholic higher education in this country. Previewing the Papal Motorcade Through DC From: WTTG-TV Date: April 8, 2008Reporter: Roby Chavez The National Shrine of the Basilica at Catholic University is being cleaned top-to-bottom, inside-and-out in preparation for the visit from Pope Benedict XVI. Singing for the PopeFrom: WUSA-TV Date: April 7, 2008Author: Samara Martin Ewing"As the day approaches, it just gets more and more intense," says Crossley Hawn, a member of the Catholic University choir. Without John Paul's dramatics, Benedict relies on power of his words, faithFrom: Star-Ledger Date: April 6, 2008Author: Carol Ann CampbellPope John Paul II would kneel to kiss the ground of foreign countries. He unleashed doves to signal peace. He placed a prayer of atonement in cracks of Jerusalem's Wailing Wall. US Catholic Officials Prepare for Pope Benedict's VisitFrom: Voice of America Date: April 6, 2008Author: Kent KleinThe leader of the world's Roman Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI, will visit the United States April 15-20 for the first time since becoming pope in 2005. As VOA's Kent Klein reports, officials of the Catholic Church in America discussed their expectations for the visit on Sunday's television talk shows. Father O'Connell Discusses Papal Visit on CNN From: CNN Date: April 6, 2008Host: Wolf BlitzerVery Rev. David M. O'Connell, C.M., university president, appeared on "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer" on April 6 to discuss Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States. Chairs for Pope's U.S. Trip Designed LocallyFrom: WFMZ-TV  Date: April 6, 2008A Catholic University student from Berks County designed a chair for Pope Benedict's first Papal trip to the United States. Pontiff will visit U.S. amid church's transition From: Richmond Times-Dispatch Date: April 5, 2008Host: Zachary ReidWhen Pope Benedict XVI makes his first tour of the U.S. as leader of the Roman Catholic Church this month, he'll greet a branch of the church that's in transition. Pope Will Find Diverse Church in USFrom: Associated Press Date: April 5, 2008Author: Rachel ZollIn his visit this month to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI will find an American flock wrestling with what it means to be Roman Catholic. Designing an Altar for the PopeFrom: Washingtonian Date: April 2008Author: Kate Nerenberg When trying to win new business, an architect lives by the mantra "Know your potential client." Views From the OutsideFrom: The Washington Post Date: March 29, 2008Author: Michelle BoorsteinWhat does a papal visit mean for the three-quarters of Americans who aren't Roman Catholics? Pope Reaches Out to American Catholics From: U.S. News & World Report Date: March 28, 2008Author: Jay TolsonIt won't be the easiest roadshow for the leader of the world's largest Christian church, a man who many thought would be a quiet but dogmatic transitional figure focused on preserving the church in an increasingly secular Europe. CUA Architecture Students Discuss Fabrication of Papal AltarFrom: Sinclair Broadcast Group Date: March 28, 2008Reporter: Meghan McCorkellTo view video of J.P. Mikolajczyk and Ryan Mullen discussing the fabrication of their papal altar design, click here . Catholic University Students Build Altar For Papal Mass From: WRC-TV Date: March 27, 2008Architecture students at Catholic University are constructing the altar and other furnishings that will be used for Pope Benedict XVI's Mass at Nationals Park. Local Students Design Pope's Furniture From: WUSA-TV Date: March 25, 2008When the Pope holds mass at Nationals Stadium next month, he will be using furniture designed by 2 local architecture students.