Windswept Pope goes back to homeland

POPE Benedict XVI arrived yesterday for the World Youth Day in Cologne to cheers from youthful pilgrims on his first foreign trip as Pope.

It is a journey that will emphasise outreach to Jews and Muslims and evangelising a Europe that has drifted from its Christian heritage.

Standing on the bow of cruise ship on the Rhine, the Pope preached to a crowd of thousands on both sides of the riverbank, addressing his flock as well as the unbaptised. “I also greet with affection those among you who have not been baptised or who have not found a home in the church,” he said.

The faith should be proclaimed by believers “from this land in the heart of Europe, a Europe which owes so much to the Gospel and its witness down through the centuries”.

!!He said he was looking forward to visiting the city’s synagogue, rebuilt after being destroyed by the Nazis, and to meeting with Muslim leaders.

“Visiting a synagogue is close to my heart, and also the greeting of members of the Islamic community,” he said, gusts of wind ruffling his white garments and silver hair.

The strong wind knocked off the Pope’s white skullcap as he got off the plane, blowing it back inside the cabin. He reached for it in vain and decided to go on with the ceremonial welcome hatless.

Benedict landed to a subdued arrival compared to some of the greetings received by his charismatic predecessor, John Paul II.

Thousands, however, cheered as they watched on a large television screen in front of Cologne’s famed cathedral, erupting in shouts as his plane landed. More than 400,000 pilgrims registered ahead of time, and up to one million people are expected for an open-air mass by Benedict on Sunday.

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and President Horst Koehler greeted Benedict on the red carpet as he descended from the plane.

It is the first homecoming for Benedict since his April 19 election.

Younger Roman Catholics have known only one Pope - John Paul, who died April 2 after serving 27 years - and many are curious to see how his successor, a shy former theology professor and Vatican doctrine official, will connect with the faithful at the festival.

Benedict paid tribute to his “great and beloved predecessor” and said he was thankful to be able to address such a throng of young people.