Former House Speaker Newt Ginrich wrote glowingly on the visit of Pope Benedict XVI in his weekly e-mail newsletter today.  His wife may be a Catholic (he reports that she sang in the Basilica choir), though I don’t believe Newt is himself.  He spoke of the “largest White House welcome in history” and of his fortunate opportunity to attend both the Mass at Nationals Park and later at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Of his reflections on the papal visit, the following struck me as especially insightful:

“…my impression of the Pope has grown far beyond the original reports of his intellectual strength and his dedication to rebuilding faith and reason (in contrast to the secular dictatorship of rationality which he had experienced in Nazi Germany and had seen in the Soviet tyranny). The leader we saw was the embodiment of leadership and conviction whose presence made an enormous impact on those who experienced it. The pope is clearly not going to be simply an interim leader between Pope John Paul II and some future younger leader. Pope Benedict XVI is going to be an historic force for the reassertion of faith and reason in the lives of Catholics and people of all faiths.”

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Pope Benedict XVI turns 81 and President Bush is throwing him a party. It’s expected that 20,000 people will be at the White House reception. Boy, I thought I threw big parties at my house!

In speaking with reporters on Shepherd One, Pope Benedict XVI expressed deep sorrow for the pedophilia/pederasty scandal that rocked the Church in America back in 2002.

“It is a great suffering for the church in the United States and for the church in general and for me personally that this could happen,” Benedict said. “It is difficult for me to understand how it was possible that priests betray in this way their mission … to these children.”

“I am deeply ashamed and we will do what is possible so this cannot happen again in the future,” the pope said on the flight from Rome to Washington, speaking in English as he responded to questions submitted by reporters ahead of time. 

A priest writing in the Washington Post suggested that the Holy Father wash the feet of the victims. But Kathryn Lopez at NRO, isn’t sure that will accomplish much:

The Church has been through a great humiliation, yes. What was done to children is inexcusable and a grave sin and shame. The pope knows this, acknowledges this, prays for forgiveness and renewal, and leads the way toward forgiveness, renewal, and a renaissance of orthodoxy. The pope genuflecting to CNN and the Boston Globe isn’t going to do anyone any good, however.

I say, forgive and apologize and repent and beg for more forgiveness again. What did Jesus say? Seven times seventy-seven times.

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich), who serves as Republican House Policy Chairman, notes that Congress today unanimously passed HR 838, welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the United States.

“Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic visit to the United States is a uniquely historical moment.  It has been twenty nine years since the leader of the Roman Catholic Church and Vatican Head of State has visited the White House, and it is the first visit by Pope Benedict to the United States.  All Americans should eagerly look forward to his message of hope and renewal.”

Full text of the Resolution available here.