The Mass at St. Patrick's

Pope Benedict XVI is getting a rapturous welcome here at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. He was greeted on the cathedral steps by Cardinal Edward M. Egan and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and repeatedly turned to stretch his arms out toward the crowds on the streets outside.

The cathedral is swarming with security -- there are men in black suits with earpieces everywhere. Outside, I saw fire and police apparatus for blocks surrounding the cathedral. There are metal barricades lining the streets, and vehicle traffic is largely barred.

After the pope, wearing a rich white mozzetta, walked through the cathedral and its sanctuary, he prayed before the blessed sacrament in a chapel, and then descended into the cathedral's lower level to vest for the Mass in white and gold. As he processed again through the cathedral, the congregation repeatedly rose in applause.

Egan, delivering an official welcome to the pope at the start of the Mass, described St. Patrick's, which is on Fifth Avenue and is a favorite stop for many tourists, as "a beloved house of prayer for not only Catholics across the nation but also for visitors of all faiths, races and cultures from every corner of the globe.'' He referred to the pope as "our supreme shepherd,'' asked Benedict to "confirm us in our faith,'' and said, speaking for the clergy and nuns gathered here, "we pledge to you our loyalty and our love.'' That generated another round of cheers, in response to which Benedict smiled, nodded, and stretched his arms out toward the congregation.

The Mass has begun.

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