To songs and cheers, Pope Benedict XVI said farewell tonight at the end of his six-day journey with the words, "May God bless America."Thousands had gathered inside a hangar at Kennedy Airport, many people wearing ethnic dress to celebrate the diversity of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens. In brief remarks, the pope said that one of the high points of his visit had been the opportunity to address the United Nations General Assembly.
"I give thanks for all that the organization has been able to achieve in defending and promoting the fundamental rights of every man, woman and child throughout the world, and I encourage people of good will everywhere to continue working tirelessly to promote justice and peaceful co-existence between peoples and nations," he said.
The pope also spoke of his visit to the World Trade Center site. "My visit this morning to Ground Zero will remain firmly etched in my memory, as I continue to pray for those who died and for all who suffer in consequence of the tragedy that occurred there in 2001," he said. "For all the people of America, and indeed throughout the world, I pray that the future will bring increased fraternity and solidarity, a growth in mutual respect, and a renewed trust and confidence in God, our heavenly Father. "
Vice President Dick Cheney, in the official send-off, praised the pope's visit to the lower Manhattan site. "You have moved us in particular by your visit to Ground Zero," Cheney said.
Pope Benedict returned to the theme of his trip in his remarks. "I encourage you to continue bearing joyful witness to Christ our Hope, our Risen Lord and Savior, who makes all things new and gives us life in abundance," he said.
Photo: Pope Benedict XVI at Mass in Yankee Stadium. AP Photo.
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