'Stand up for purity!' October 7, 1995
Web posted at: 6:45 p.m.
From Correspondent Gary Tuchman
NEW YORK (CNN) -- It was windy and drizzly
as people started streaming into New York's Central Park. The park,
famous for its hosting of large-scale events, was about to experience
its first visit from the Holy Father of Rome. The faithful were
eager with anticipation.
"I'm all hyped up already," said one man entering the park.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which you'll never ever get to re-experience," another said.
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John Paul II's
Popemobile entered Central Park after a short drive from the
Vatican's mission to the United Nations, were he's staying. More than
100,000 people were sitting or standing on Central Park's great lawn
to see the pontiff in person. Tens of thousands of others watched the
pope on large television screens in other parts of the park.
"The beautiful surroundings cause us to reflect on the beauty of every human being," the pope said.
His message at the mass was geared to the role of young people in the church and the world.
"You young people will live most of your lives in the next century," he said. "You must help the holy spirit to shape the social, moral and spiritual character."
The pope's homily offered no surprises. He called on young people to support the church's positions on controversial issues.
"You are called to
pray against abortion, against violence of all kinds, including the
violence done against women's and children's dignity through
pornography. Stand up for the life of the aged and the handicapped,
against attempts to promote assisted suicide and euthanasia. Stand up
for marriage and family life. Stand up for purity!" (165K .aiff sound or 165K
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Hundreds who were upset with the pope's position on the abortion issue protested not far from Central Park.
As the Popemobile headed for St. Patrick's Cathedral after the mass,
a banner saying "condoms save lives" was unfurled across the street
from the cathedral. The banner was quickly removed by police.
Inside the cathedral, the pope recited the rosary, one of the last events of his day on Saturday.
For the multitudes of the Catholic faithful, it was a very memorable day during a most memorable papal visit.
The pope will spend one more night in New York City before leaving for Baltimore on Sunday morning. He'll have a whirlwind day there before leaving to return to Rome, completing his long-awaited journey to the United States.
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