Pope To Make First Visit To US In 2008; Scheduled Stops At Ground Zero, UN And White House

BALTIMORE, MD.(AP) – Pope Benedict XVI will make his first visit to the United States as pontiff next year, and plans to visit the White House, ground zero and speak at the United Nations.

Benedict will travel to Washington and New York from April 15-20, speak at the United Nations on April 18 and visit ground zero on the final day of his trip, Archbishop Pietro Sambi told the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Monday.

An official welcome reception will be held at the White House on April 16, Sambi said. Benedict will celebrate Mass at the new National Stadium in Washington on April 17, and lead another public Mass at Yankee Stadium on April 20.

By RACHEL ZOLL AP Religion Writer

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