The Archbishop of Baltimore is reflecting on the pope's historic visit to the area.During his visit, Pope Benedict the 16th recognized Baltimore and its significance in the history of the catholic church.
Massive crowds welcomed the pope last week on his first visit to the United States.
For leaders of the catholic church, it was a momentous occasion.
Archbishop Edwin O’Brien says, "I hope this brings people back to the church for one thing."
O'Brien says he was touched by the gentle and sensitive ways of the holy father. "I think there's a certain magnetism to him that was not present in the former holy father, he was much more outgoing."
When it came to addressing the sex abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic Church, Archbishop O'Brien says he was a relieved and grateful by the pope's direct call for change. "I think he left no room for doubt that this is a tragedy we need to work with, deal with, and it's going to leave a scar on our image for a while."
O’Brien says the pope's visit left him feeling energized and he's proud of Baltimore's history in the catholic faith. "The recognition he gives to this archdiocese I think will make my job much easier."
As America's first cathedral, the Baltimore Basilica and its history topped the pope's comments at his final mass at Yankee Stadium.
His message challenging those in the catholic faith to look around and help others in need. "A lot more you can be doing for yourselves, for your neighbor... And it can be done. There's reason for hope."
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