Pope Coming To NYC!
Pope Benedict XVI, funny hat and all, is [coming to New York City] April 15-20. The Bishop of Rome will give a speech at the United Nations on April 18, hold a public mass at Yankee Stadium on April 20 and possibly do some shopping for some new robes at Bed, Bath & Beyond in Times Square during his free time.
The trip will come on the third anniversary of Benedicts election to replace Pope John Paul II after his death in April 2005. Since becoming the head of the Vatican, Benedict has [flirted with China] and preached becoming [best buddies with Jesus](http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:R7N5psAXSSwJ:www.odwrockford.org/docs/seasons/Mass/2006-11-9-BENEDICT%2520XVI%27S%2520ADDRESS%2520TO%2520ALTAR%2520SERVERS.pdf+Benedict+Friendship+with+jesus+Christ&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=us). He also pissed off 1.5 billion Muslims by calling Muhammad [evil and unoriginal](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5346480.stm). Way to go, Mr. Pope.
The most interesting part of the trip will be the public mass at Yankee Stadium. Derek Jeter is scheduled to throw out the first pitch, and Fergie will sing the National Anthem in both English and Latin. Pope Benedict actually wanted to throw out the first pitch, but he tore his rotator cuff last spring while lifting an extra heavy scroll in Vatican City.