The Pope Is Here! The Pope Is Here!

Pope Benedict XVI has just landed via helicopter to our fair city, after a brief landing at Kennedy airport where he was greeted by a bunch of bishops, two random kids that just experienced their five minutes of fame, and Mayor Bloomberg. His first stop will be the UN where he will be speaking on Human Rights. I have had the opportunity to see Pope John Paul II twice (in St. Louis, and Rome) and have to say, although I'm not much of an organized religious-goer, it's amazing how much effect one person can have on people. It is an exciting experience to have, being in the presence of a Pope, and I can't think of a more fitting city to welcome him. He is set to visit Park East Synagogue on East 68th, later today, the first time a Pope will ever go into a United States Synagogue, it will also be particularly important as it is so close to Passover. Rabbi Schneier whom he will be meeting with there, was the first rabbi to be awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal for his work on interfaith dialogue. He is the founder of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, an interfaith group that works for peace.