Catholics gather in Vienna as Pope concludes Austrian trek
VIENNA (AP) — An estimated 20,000 faithful packed a Vienna square on Sunday as Pope Benedict XVI — reaching out to disillusioned Catholics across Europe — wrapped up a three-day visit to Austria with a Mass and a stop at a medieval abbey.
Driving rain that has drenched pilgrims and Benedict's entourage since his arrival on Friday fell intermittently yet again, forcing believers to huddle beneath umbrellas as they gathered outside Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral for a glimpse of the German-born pontiff.
Cheers went up from the crowd and robed children waved yellow ribbons as the pope, clad in lime-green vestments, entered the cathedral.
"He's someone who knows how to relate to us," said Julia Klein, one of the believers....
Dr. Alan Cairns | 8/3/2009
