Pope Benedict Leaves US After 6-Day Visit

Pope Benedict XVI concluded his 6-day US visit today, boarding the papal jet at JFK aqirport to return to the Vatican. “The time has come for me to bid farewell to your country,” Benedict said. “May God bless America.” Dick Cheney attended the departure ceremony, which capped Benedict’s day of visiting Ground Zero and celebrating Mass at Yankee Stadium.

“It has been a memorable week and Pope Benedict XVI has stepped into the history of our country in a very special way,” Cheney said. “Until we meet again, we ask your holiness to remember in your prayers the United States of America.” (More Pope Benedict XVI stories.)