The pope's 1995 visit to Baltimore

Pope's 1995 visit

A blessed day in Baltimore

It was nearly 10 years ago -- Oct. 8, 1995 -- that Pope John Paul II landed in Baltimore. Yet even as he drew his last breaths, the memories of his brief visit remained vibrant in the minds of those he touched.

In hours in Baltimore, a shared meal and Mass

He was in town just a bit longer than the average workday.

THE POPE IN BALTIMORE

A day of prayer and joy

Pope John Paul II, the most traveled pope in history, came yesterday to Baltimore, the birthplace of American Catholicism, and presided over a day of celebration, pageantry and prayer.

THE POPE IN BALTIMORE

Delivery softer, but message is the same

For five days, Pope John Paul II spoke from his American pulpit, lecturing his flock on the enduring themes of Christianity: feed the hungry, visit the sick, defend the weak. He repeated familiar Roman Catholic prohibitions: no abortion, no assisted suicides, no euthanasia.

THE POPE IN BALTIMORE

'The right to do what we ought'

"Oh, that today you would hear his voice: harden not your hearts."

THE POPE IN BALTIMORE

'Such charisma, so much emotion'

At times, the only sound to be heard in the heart of downtown Baltimore was the flutter of gold-and-white papal flags in the autumnal breeze.

Dan Rodricks: Wounded family gets healing hand

On a day when he extolled the power of faith and family, Pope John Paul II held the hands of a man and woman who had their faith and family shattered.

THE POPE IN BALTIMORE

Thousands line streets for papal parade

With the strains of trumpets filling the air, Pope John Paul II led the first parade in papal history through the streets of Baltimore yesterday trailed by an hourlong blend of marching bands and bagpipes, parishioners and children in colorful costumes.

THE POPE IN BALTIMORE

Lunch and love at a soup kitchen

The main guest showed up just a little late to his luncheon at Our Daily Bread yesterday, but nobody seemed to mind.

THE POPE IN BALTIMORE

Problems are few despite the crowds

Thousands of people lined city streets and converged on a downtown plaza yesterday for a glimpse of Pope John Paul II, but the expected gridlock -- be it pedestrians or cars -- did not meet predictions.

THE POPE IN BALTIMORE

Celebration of Mass turns strangers into friends

Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass before 50,000 people at Camden Yards yesterday in an atmosphere of solemnity, where many wept at his presence and one woman knelt on the cold autumn concrete after receiving Communion.

THE POPE IN BALTIMORE

Stadium Mass attracts media's masses

The reporters showed up even earlier than the faithful, some arriving at Camden Yards as early as 5 a.m.

THE POPE IN BALTIMORE

Tidy crowd makes for quick, easy cleanup job

The chalice and candlesticks used during the papal Mass were among the first items to be carried off the field.

THE POPE IN BALTIMORE

Mayor fears cost overruns but stresses value of visit

The splendor of yesterday's historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Baltimore will cost city taxpayers more than originally planned, but Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke said it's well worth it.

THE POPE IN BALTIMORE

Activists stage small protests, but no parade

Women's and gay rights activists held several small protests during Pope John Paul II's visit yesterday, handing out condoms and waving signs opposing his stands against abortion and birth control.