Local Residents React As Pope Bids Farewell to America

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Local Residents React As Pope Bids Farewell to America

Andrew Donovan

Story Created: Apr 20, 2008 at 10:41 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 13, 2009 at 6:18 PM EST

NEW YORK - Pope Benedict XVI departed from JFK International Airport at about 8:30 PM EST after his first visit to America. His trip concluded on Sunday at the airport following a massive mass held at Yankee Stadium.

57,000 people were in attendance to hear the Pontiff's homily. This was the Pope's final mass in his historic first visit to the United States. The mass lasted about three hours along with performances beforehand, one notable from Harry Conick Jr.

The Albany Diocese was able to hand out about 500 tickets locally as they had more than 3,000 requests. Forty people had to back out of the trip for one reason or another, but because background information had to be in by a certain time for security reasons, 460 attended.

"It's just unbelievable to be in his presence. It was such an usual experience," said Angela Dunning of Herkimer.

Francis Dunning said, "It was tremendous. I was really surprised by the outpouring of affection of the crowd for the Pope. It was all spontaneous and it didn't seem to ever want to end."

Mary Ellen Clark, also of Herkimer, said, "We had a very clear view."

The Pontiff's visit was filled with very memorable events in both Washington and New York. He was sent off in a ceremony at a hanger at JFK Airport with Vice President Dick Cheney asking the Pope to keep America in his prayers. Benedict XVI thanked everyone for their "American Hospitality."

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