Florida Catholic | Bishop Barbarito Up–Close With Pope Benedict

Bishop Barbarito up–close with Pope Benedict

LINDA REEVES | FLORIDA CATHOLIC PALM BEACH BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 05.09.08

PALM BEACH GARDENS | Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito on April 25 shared with diocesan staff his observations and thoughts about his close-up encounter the week before in New York with Pope Benedict XVI, a leader and great theologian, who in the minds of many is still coming into focus.

“He touched everybody because of his sincerity, his gentleness, his humility,” said Bishop Barbarito, who met with the staff to celebrate employee birthdays and significant anniversaries. Pope Benedict celebrated his third anniversary as pope and his 81st birthday while in America.

“The depth of his spirituality was evident. His message was a very wonderful message in terms of faith. It was a challenging message and a strong message, but the way in which the pope presented it – I think was so wonderful.

“No one would have felt like they were being chastised or scolded,” he explained. “People listened to him because of his humility and gentleness, and then really had the opportunity to reflect upon what he said.”

The pope’s message of hope, unity, peace and healing was heard by people from around the world as he was in the midst of Americans at the United Nations, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Joseph’s Seminary, Ground Zero and Yankee Stadium.

“Because of his approach, I think he is going to affect a lot of people not only last week when everything was going on, but in the days to come when people begin to realize what he said,” Bishop Barbarito said. “So many people even news commentators were moved by him. And it is true. Just to look in his eyes – you see his gentleness, his love, his sincerity, his warmth.

“I can’t express what a wonderful experience it was and what a great privilege it was, and I kept the diocese in all my prayers at all of the events in a very, very special way. Pope Benedict really spoke from the heart and everyone was moved by him.”

Bishop Barbarito was one of the few invited to a send-off gathering at John F. Kennedy Airport. He said it was a special moment and a privilege to be one of the few to tell the Holy Father goodbye.

Return to Diocese of Palm Beach Front Page

Bishop Barbarito up–close with Pope Benedict

Other Stories