Statement Welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to U.S.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement today welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the United States:

“We offer Pope Benedict XVI the warmest welcome as he arrives in the United Statestoday. In anticipation of your historic journey, you have been in our thoughts and prayers for a successful visit.

“Your visit comes at a critical time. In the U.S.and across the globe, the gap between the most fortunate and everyone else is widening. So many families are struggling to meet their basic needs. War and violence are prevalent. Immigrant families are being separated. May your message of hope for peace and freedom be heard and inspire us to work on behalf of the common good for all people.”