Excerpts from Pope Benedict's talks during his April 15-20 visit to the United States.

At the White House (on the South Lawn, April 16):
I come as a friend, a preacher of the Gospel and one with great respect for this vast pluralistic society…. Historically, not only Catholics, but all believers have found here the freedom to worship God in accordance with the dictates of their conscience while at the same time being accepted as part of a commonwealth in which each individual and group can make its voice heard. As the nation faces the increasingly complex political and ethical issues of our time, I am confident that the American people will find in their religious beliefs a precious source of insight and an inspiration to pursue reasoned, responsible and respectful dialogue in the effort to build a more humane and free society.

Freedom is not only a gift, but also a summons to personal responsibility. Americans know this from experience --- almost every town in this country has its monuments honoring those who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom, both at home and abroad. The preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good and a sense of responsibility toward the less fortunate. It also demands the courage to engage in civic life and to bring one's deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate.

In a word, freedom is ever new. It is a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be won over for the cause of good (cf. "Spe Salvi," 24). Few have understood this as clearly as the late Pope John Paul II. In reflecting on the spiritual victory of freedom over totalitarianism in his native Poland and in Eastern Europe, he reminded us that history shows time and again that "in a world without truth, freedom loses its foundation," and a democracy without values can lose its very soul (cf. "Centesimus Annus," 46). Those prophetic words in some sense echo the conviction of President Washington, expressed in his Farewell Address, that religion and morality represent "indispensable supports" of political prosperity.

The church, for her part, wishes to contribute to building a world ever more worthy of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God (cf. Gn 1:26-27). She is convinced that faith sheds new light on all things and that the Gospel reveals the noble vocation and sublime destiny of every man and woman (cf. "Gaudium et Spes," 10). Faith also gives us the strength to respond to our high calling and the hope that inspires us to work for an ever more just and fraternal society. Democracy can only flourish, as your Founding Fathers realized, when political leaders and those whom they represent are guided by truth and bring the wisdom born of firm moral principle to decisions affecting the life and future of the nation….

America has traditionally shown herself generous in meeting immediate human needs, fostering development and offering relief to the victims of natural catastrophes. I am confident that this concern for the greater human family will continue to find expression in support for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress. In this way coming generations will be able to live in a world where truth, freedom and justice can flourish --- a world where the God-given dignity and rights of every man, woman and child are cherished, protected and effectively advanced.

At N.Y. synagogue (Park East Synagogue in New York, April 18):
I find it moving to recall that Jesus as a young boy heard the words of Scripture and prayed in a place such as this…. I know that the Jewish community makes a valuable contribution to the life of the city, and I encourage all of you to continue building bridges of friendship with all the many different ethnic and religious groups present in your neighborhood.

I assure you most especially of my closeness at this time as you prepare to celebrate the great deeds of the Almighty and to sing the praises of him who has worked such wonders for his people. I would ask those of you who are present to pass on my greetings and good wishes to all the members of the Jewish community. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

To disabled youths (at St. Joseph Seminary, Yonkers, N.Y., April 19):
God has blessed you with life and with differing talents and gifts. Through these you are able to serve him and society in various ways. While some people's contributions seem great and others' more modest, the witness value of our efforts is always a sign of hope for everyone.

Sometimes it is challenging to find a reason for what appears only as a difficulty to be overcome or even pain to be endured. Yet our faith helps us to break open the horizon beyond our own selves in order to see life as God does.

God's unconditional love, which bathes every human individual, points to a meaning and purpose for all human life. Through his cross, Jesus in fact draws us into his saving love (cf. Jn 12:32) and in so doing shows us the way ahead --- the way of hope which transfigures us all, so that we too become bearers of that hope and charity for others.

Prayer at Ground Zero (in New York, April 20):
O God of love, compassion and healing, look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions, who gather today at this site, the scene of incredible violence and pain.

We ask you in your goodness to give eternal light and peace to all who died here --- the heroic first responders: our firefighters, police officers, emergency service workers and Port Authority personnel, along with all the innocent men and women who were victims of this tragedy simply because their work or service brought them here on Sept. 11, 2001.

We ask you in your compassion to bring healing to those who because of their presence here that day suffer from injuries and illness. Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy. Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope.

We are mindful as well of those who suffered death, injury and loss on the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa. Our hearts are one with theirs as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.

God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world: peace in the hearts of all men and women and peace among the nations of the earth. Turn to your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred.

God of understanding, overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy, we seek your light and guidance as we confront such terrible events. Grant that those whose lives were spared may live so that the lives lost here may not have been lost in vain.

Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all.

Departure for home (at JFK International Airport, New York, April 20):
These days that I have spent in the United States have been blessed with many memorable experiences of American hospitality, and I wish to express my deep appreciation to all of you for your kind welcome.

It has been a joy for me to witness the faith and devotion of the Catholic community here. It was heartwarming to spend time with leaders and representatives of other Christian communities and other religions, and I renew my assurances of respect and esteem to all of you….

My visit this morning to ground zero will remain firmly etched in my memory as I continue to pray for those who died and for all who suffer in consequence of the tragedy that occurred there in 2001. For all the people of America and indeed throughout the world, I pray that the future will bring increased fraternity and solidarity, a growth in mutual respect and a renewed trust and confidence in God, our heavenly Father.

With these words, I take my leave, I ask you to remember me in your prayers, and I assure you of my affection and friendship in the Lord. May God bless America!