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Lauren Green

The Pope’s Final Day

It’s only been five days but this visit by Pope Benedict XVI seems a world apart from when he arrived.

On Tuesday, we didn’t know what to expect when he stepped off the plane. Now that we’ve seen him — the Shepherd One, this German nicknamed “God’s Rottweiler” — and heard his voice, witnessed his smile and incredible humility, he has become someone so close to us all.

I’m writing this at 8 a.m. from the media positions at Yankee stadium. After getting back from St. Joseph’s seminary at 9:30 last night, we had to be back at the media check in in midtown Manhattan at 3:45 a.m. this morning. The Mass begins here at Yankee in several hours.

The Mass will be the pontiff’s last big event in America. We hope it’s not the last ever, but it could be. Six days ago that fact was just information. Today that same fact saddens my heart, to think that this man who has become one of us may never grace us with his company again.

It’s gray and chilly this morning, almost as if even the weather is mirroring the mood of the moment. A sorrowful sigh at having to say goodbye to a new friend than in a short few days has become a trusted companion.

 

29 Responses to “The Pope’s Final Day”

Comment by Sam J. Mazzuca

I would like to thank Fox News for the complete coverage of the Pope’s visit. For those who tuned in it allow for opportunities to learn about and contrast Pope Benedict’s leadership accountability from the late Pope John Paul II who never assumed papal accountability for the church’s priests who engaged in sexual abusive behaviors. It was very refreshing to see the leadership of the church take full accountability for the impaired priests behaviors and set behaviors expectations for going forward from the church’s cardinals, bishops and priests. Pope John Paul never assumed his leadership accountability as did some cardinal and bishops for the impaired behaviors of their priests under their watch. Pope John Paul procrastinated and deflected the issue when he came to say it wasn’t the church’s problem as it was an american problem.

 
Comment by Robert P. Johonson

Your “religion” correspondent” Lauren Green should know better, about the religions she is commenting about, that the Catholic Church does not have a “High Mass”. That was done away with some 40 years ago after Vatican 2. A Mass is now a Mass, and may have different embellishments, but is still basically a Mass, no more Solemn High Mass, or High Mass.

 
Comment by Alicia

This has been an AMAZING week! Having Pope Benedict not only fill our television and computer screens but in many ways fill our hearts with hope and love!!! I will miss him so much as will, I think, many Americans. But let us not focus on his departure but on all the positive things that occurred this week and on the seeds that have been planted by this beautiful pope! I believe that in the coming days, weeks, months and years we will see a new springtime in the Catholic church in America and in our culture. ¡Viva el Papa! God bless the Pope!!!

 
Comment by Marie Mencia

I am so disappointed at the FNC coverage of the Pope’s visit. The reporters, especially Megan Kelly were constantly speaking over his voice making it impossible to understand what he was saying. Also, when he was speaking in Spanish even Father Morris was speaking over the Pope so that the latin people would not be able to understand what he was saying to them. What a shame. I understand he was translating, but wasn’t it more important for the spanish people to hear his message in a language they could understand? Isn’t that why he included a message in their native tongue?

 
Comment by Marie Mencia

Father Morris,
Your translating of the Holy Father’s message to the latin community during the message is disrespectful.
What about the thousands unable to be at Yankee Stadium? Why deprive them of his message?

 
Comment by Marlys Orred

Thank you for the excellent coverage of the Holy Father’s visit. I am not Catholic, but it was all so inspiring after months of political coverage, as well as the bad news of the world.

 
Comment by Jay Collner

Thank you for presenting the Pope’s visit. I am not Catholic, but the dignity and beauty of his Mass are deeply moving. I would make this one request though. I would like to have seen Loren Green in place of Shepard Smith. She has the dignity and the musical appreciation not to comment “I would wish the music would have been (some rock band).” Sadly, it’s too bad Brahms’ “How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place” and Bach’s “Heilig, Heilig Heilig” in the context of this great ceremony can’t be appreciated by Shep and I’m sure some of your viewers.

 
Comment by rodolfo milani

If you people don’t do something about Sheppard Smith he will do it for you. Your ratings are going to dive after your very pathetic coverage of the Pope’s visit especially in Washington DC. But after all the idiocy you manage to muster up, through your immature broadcasters interruptions, for us to listen to Sheppard Smith, dennounce the Catholic Church, once again, during the Mass broadcast on Sunday really takes the cake. Shut your studpid mouth SHEP!! Sit back and let the professional’s you’ve hired ie the Catholic Priests editorialize. Specificically, your ramblings, DURING MASS, about the child abuse issues. Haven’t you gotten enough milage out of this one? Or would you prefer the Pope throw himself on the alter and cut his own heart out. And what was that bit about the Choir and where the Babtist sit?? Are you drunk on air every day now, even Sunday? You idiot..every time you opened your mouth it was a total non-secuiter. It’s bad enough we have to listen to your nonsense during the week. You’ve actually become embarrasing to watch. Leave our Holy days and events alone!! Shame on you Fox News. You better start remembering the folks who put you where you are today. You can count us out!! PS Fair and balanced eh? Sometimes you need to take a stand and do the right thing, like explain to these idiots you’ve hired when to shut up!! Please see that Brit Hume reads this. He’s the only one in charge that does it right.

 
Comment by Aine

Lauren and everyone at Fox News please accept my thanks for a job very well done. I started out on CNN but quickly realized their negativity and tuned in to Fox. You were all just wonderful. I won’t forget it when it comes to other programs.

God Bless You All,

Aine

 
Comment by Lee Jones

Lauren, you all did such a spectacular job this week.. You must be wiped out. Know that you’re appreciated !!!
Please let Shep, Fr. John and all involved in this great production know they did an outstanding job.
Sincerely,
Lee

 
Comment by Marie Carmichael

Thanks to Fox News for the complete report of the Pope’s visit.
I’m not a Catholic nor a conservative and was deeply moved by
all the events and your coverage. Thank you for the Good News!

 
Comment by Norm and Denise Lussier

My husband and I think you deserve an immense amount of praise for your coverage of the Pope’s historical visit. We watched EWTN off and on during his visit, as well, but found your coverage to be far superior. The absolute dignity and respect used during your coverage was without a flaw. It didn’t matter who was the host at any time, a marvelous job was done by all. A million thanks and kudos to everyone involved.

 
Comment by Tina

I want to be sure to Thank FOX NEWS for the wonderful coverage during Pope Benedict XVI visit. I am so proud to be Catholic and even more so to be CATHOLIC AMERICAN. God Bless America and grant us a peaceful election for President in November. TINA

 
Comment by maggie marsh

I could’nt let this day close without a heartfelt thank you for the Papal coverage. I don’t think I missed a second of it. I did surf back and forth between you and CNN and quickly came to the conclusion that this network definately had the pulse of the visit with such respectful reporting. All reportors did great, but must recognize Bill Hemmer, Lauen and Shep. Can’t forget Father Jon. Great team and I truly felt the spirit of the occasion enter our home.

Thank you all so very much. I am a 63 year old Catholic, but have been drifting in my faith lately, not anymore.
I am also going to write to the Vatican and thank them for their visit.
Take care,
Maggie

 
Comment by P. Nesuda

THANK YOU, THANK YOU– your coverage on the Pope’s visit was EXCELLENT. My heart was bursting with pride in my church, the Pope and our country.

 
Comment by Mary Gay Lake

Shepherd, Lauren, and Father Jonathan,

What a wonderful job all of you have done this week, along with Bill Hemmer and Megyn Kelly, in covering the Pope’s trip to our country. What very little bit you didn’t cover I watched on EWTN, but the majority of the time I’m tuned in to Fox News Channel, no matter what the occasion. I thought that all of you interjected your comments and translations with professional timing and accuracy. Although I truly hate to see the Pope end his visit here in the U.S., I do tune in to the St. Peter’s
webcam ( http://www.guideroma.com/Webcam-Saint-Peter.htm) and watch the programming and masses there. How lucky Father Jonathan and Greg Burke are to live in such a beautiful city of Rome and be able to do media coverage of his Holiness. I have recently purchased Father Jonathan’s book and have not read it yet, simply because I’ve been glued to the TV since 4:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Thanks to all of you at Fox News for your professionalism and dedication to such a wonderful and inspirational visit by the Pope.

 
Comment by Sunnye Tiedemann

I have been proud of my country many times but seldom more so than the past three days.
Take THAT, ACLU!

 
Comment by Jim Duncan

Fox News coverage was really superior across the board. Thank you very much.

 
Comment by Jeanne Kozlowski

I can’t thank Fox News enough for your most outstanding, sensitive coverage of the Holy Father’s visit to our country. You have given all of us at home the opportunity to participate in and witness to this phenomenal event. This man completely surprised me. What an uplifting, loving smile!! He really does care about us. His visit is a blessing that hopefully will keep on giving for years to come. And the Fox anchors and contributors have been a blessing also.

Again, thank you all so very much!!

 
Comment by Antoinette

Lauren, your comments regarding the Pope’s final day mimic my emotions during World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto with Pope John Paul II. Isn’t it amazing how personal it all becomes? I found myself tearing up several times this weekend, especially watching the greetings and blessings to the youth and caregivers during the St Joseph Seminary visit, as well as during the “Pope walk” at the youth rally.
I sincerely appreciate the continual coverage provided by Fox News, despite comments made by Shepard Smith implying some controversy with the extensive, commercial-free coverage. Also, I appreciate the professionalism and respect displayed by all media in their verbal comments, physical behaviors and choice of attire. I had expected to stay tuned into EWTN and was pleased to see commerical media covering the events as fully as Catholic Television.
There was much said about the level of enthusiasm and excitement during the youth rally, while also commenting on the order and systems in place which enabled this event. After experiencing the same in Toronto, except for 800,000 in attendance, I can only smile and think “of course!” This summer another World Youth Day will take place in Sydney, Australia. PLEASE give consideration to providing full coverage of this upcoming event…even more inspiring than these past few days, I promise!

 
Comment by Mike Stoeckert

Fox did a wonderful job on coverage of the Pope’s visit. SHepard Smith and the all of the commentators were OUTSTANDING. You have won me over with your coverage.

 
Comment by Laurie Hanel

Thank you to each and everyone at FoxNews for all the hard work to bring us the most outstanding coverage of the Papal visit! You all should be very proud of yourselves! I am very proud of YOU!

 
Comment by Paula

Lauren,

Thank you the coverage of the Pope’s visit to America. Fox News did a fantastic job. It was very inspirational. My heart is full!

 
Comment by Karen Overhill "Switching Time"

I would also like to thank Pope Benedict for taking accountabilty for the Catholic Church priest sexual abuse. I had been abused in this way and had lost faith in the Catholic Church long ago. After the priest I confided in about childhood abuse just added to the abuse I suffered by my father and grandfather. Altough raised Catholic, attending Catholic school, marrying Catholic, etc… depression set in leaving me feel horrible, ashamed and feeling inadequate as a woman. I didn’t exactly leave the Catholic Church but haven’t been an active member for over three decades. Why? because one particular Catholic Church let me down. I believe in God. My survival was a God sent coping mechanism. I never revealed the name of the priest who abused me because he died long ago. Yet, I felt a weight lift off my shoulder knowing that finally. Pope Benedict, acknowledged that something was wrong in the Catholic Church and maybe, finally, after all these years something will be done because of this awareness. Thank God!

 
Comment by Kathleen Jones

Thank you, Fox News, for the wonderful coverage of the Papal visit. All your correspondents were respectful, professional, and enthusiastic in discussing the Catholic Church and Pope Benedict’s life and mission to America. Father Jonathan Morris and Father Lisante gave us much good insight into what was happening all along the way at the different venues. Being a practicing Catholic, I was very proud and honored to have our Church shown in a very positive light as compared to all the negative press it usually receives. I hope this is a catalyst to bring attention to the many good aspects of religion. Good job, Shep, Kelly, Bill, Lauren, etc. — a wonderful week!

 
Comment by Marlene

My thanks to Fox News for the fantastic coverage of the Pope’s visit to the US! Your very professional and informative commentators truly enhanced my appreciation of this wonderful celebration of love and forgiveness.
We watch Fox News more than any other channel. We depend on you for honest and dependable coverage. You do a marvelous job!
I just participated in a Nielson rating report and my one comment for release was: Fox News is the best!
May you continue to present the truth.
Sincerely,
Marlene Strauss

 
Comment by Marlene

I have just reviewed the many comments on your coverage. I am pained at those who gave negative comments. You gave the nation the very best!
Bless you!
Fox News is where we are tuned.

 
Comment by Kathy Kieffer

Fox News,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and tasteful coverage of the papal visit to America. How wonderful to hear this message of hope and good news! Your reporters showed class…something that other stations forgot. I will not soon forget this and will be foreverful thankful to Fox News.
An American Catholic,
Kathy Kieffer

 
Comment by Nancy Kocher

Thank you Fox News for awesome coverage of Pope Benedict’s visit to America. Shephard Smith, Loren Green, Megyn Kelly all did fantastic! Love Shephard’s personality and emotion throughout. Father John and Greg Burke were so so interesting with all their tidbits about our Pope. Appreciated the silence of the staff when events were happening. I was just a tad annoyed at the event in Yonkers however when staff talked over the presentations to the Pope of the bread, rice, etc and some other presentations at Yonkers but realize staff didn’t realize they were doing it.
One grateful Fox News follower!
Nancy

 

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