UTICA - Two local priests talked about the Pope's visit to the United States, and what message they expect to hear from the Pope. Both Father Joe Salerno and Father Arthur Hapanowicz of Holy Trinity, say the Pope's message will be of hope. And both agree that message comes just in time for the catholic church and its parishioners.

Despite the problems the Catholic Church has faced in the past few years, particularly with sex scandals, Father Joe Salerno of Our Lady of Lourdes in Utica thinks Pope Benedict XVI will remind Catholics of what the church stands for.

"I would hope that brings some kind of encouragement to people who maybe have fallen off," said Father Salerno. "Or let's say an act of life of faith and worship, I would hope. I can't guarantee that one visit doesn't change all that automatically, but it gives us a new beginning."

Father Salerno thinks Pope Benedict will speak to the 65 million or so U.S. Catholics as someone they can relate to - like a pastor they are used to seeing in church every Sunday.

"I believe his main message seems his first three years of papacy is to bring hope to people, because of our faith in Jesus Christ, and I think he is going to be emphasizing all of those things," Father Salerno said.

While here in the U.S., Pope Benedict will also speak to the United Nations - a sign Father Arthur Hapanowicz sees as an attempt to spread the message of peace not just here in the U.S., but to end violence all over the world.

"We feel that that is a great thing," Father Hapanowicz said. "This religious leader will speak before a body of political leaders. But the aim is the same - to bring hope and peace to the world that seems hopeless but he says there is hope. So he comes to us in that spirit."

Pope Benedict will be coming to New York on Friday night, and making several public appearances on Saturday and Sunday.