Apr 16, 2008 7:32 pm US/Eastern
Bishop Noonan Discusses Challenges Facing The Pope
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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Pope Benedict XVI blows out a candle on a birthday cake to celebrate his 81st birthday on April 16, 2008, during a reception with President George W. Bush at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Osservatore Romano/AFP/Getty Images
Bishop John Noonan looked forward to being part of a private prayer service and meeting with the Pope at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Before his trip, he reflected on the great issues, and deep scars, the Catholic Church in this country is dealing with in this time and place in its history.
The Reverend John Noonan was ordained as a bishop two years ago. He has been looking forward to a second chance to meet the Pope--the first coming in Rome.
"The media people said, 'you went to see John Paul II, and you go to hear Benedict,'" said Noonan.
Pope Benedict does not have John Paul II's public magnetism, but within the church he is considered by many to be an intellectual, inspirational teacher.
"Now he's coming at a period of time when the church has undergone a lot of publicity and tragedy, so he will come with that in mind to see where we are going and give us a vision for the future," said Noonan.
Indeed there is no bigger issue for the Catholic Church in the U.S., than the fallout from the priest sexual abuse scandal.
"We have not emerged from it, and there is a lot of healing to be done, and that will take a lot of time; but we are more aware of it and dealing with the problems today."
Bishop Noonan says--and the Pope has made clear--far more study is being focused on the roots of the scandal--how it started, why it was not dealt with for years, and importantly how to make sure it never happens again.
"I'm very hopeful it will help us understand the frailties—sinfulness--not just in a spiritual way but in a very concrete way."
For all its problems though, the Pope is said to see the U.S. church as strong, especially compared to drift among Catholics in Europe. Bishops expect his U.S. flock to be challenged.
"He's going to talk about the poor in the world at the core of the gospel message."
These are messages Bishop Noonan looks forward to hearing firsthand.
"I guess the message is be not afraid. Jesus is alive and well, and preach the gospel."
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