Pope calls for more rigorous faith at Yankee Stadium Mass

Pope Benedict XVI's final public event on his first apostolic visit to the United States may go a long way toward transforming his image in the minds of many Americas, as he told the 57,000 people who celebrated Mass at Yankee Stadium on April 20 to balance their country's heritage of individual freedom with a devout religious and spiritual life.

"Authority … obedience. To be frank, these are not easy words to speak nowadays," Pope Benedict XVI said in his homily, spoken from his chair on center stage. "Words like these represent a stumbling stone for many of our contemporaries, especially in a society which rightly places a high value on personal freedom. The Gospel teaches us that true freedom, the freedom of the children of God, is found only in the self-surrender which is part of the mystery of love.

"Only by losing ourselves, the Lord tells us, do we truly find ourselves."

The pope's 20 minute homily repeated many of the same themes he has stressed throughout his six day visit to the United States, calling on Catholics to live their faith more fully in their lives. But rather than coming across as a stern taskmaster, as he was often perceived as prior to becoming pope three years ago, Pope Benedict XVI chose his words carefully to inspire and renew. He gave a slow, deliberate delivery through his German accent.

"This, dear friends, is the particular challenge which the successor of St. Peter sets before you today," the pope said. "As a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation … follow faithfully in the footsteps of those who have gone before you."

The pope complimented the United States for its history and heritage with the Catholic Church, and for the religious freedom to not only practice the faith, but participate fully in civic life.

"Past generations have left you an impressive legacy," Pope Benedict XVI said. "In our day too, the Catholic community in this nation has been outstanding in its prophetic witness in the defense of life, in the education of the young, in care for the poor, the sick and the stranger in your midst."

"Let us turn to Jesus," the pope said. "He alone is the way that leads to eternal happiness, the truth who satisfies the deepest longings of every heart, and the life who brings ever new joy and hope, to us and the world."

Hispanics in the audience were surprised to then hear the pope deliver part of his homily in Spanish, erupting in cheers when he said, "Queridos hermanos y hermanas en el senior." After speaking in Spanish for a few minutes, the crowd erupted in chants of "Viva la Popa!"