The pope has been invited to visit the United Nations. What does this signify?
Recently the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, invited Pope Benedict XVI to visit the UN in New York. It was announced today that the Pope has accepted the invitation, although no date has been set.
The invitation perhaps acknowledges the Popes recent efforts to bring peace to the world. Although the comparisons to Pope John Paul II are inevitable, this pope is making his own mark on the world.
John Paul II visited the UN twice. He visited once in 1979 and again in 1995. His more recent visit was to help celebrate the UN's 50th anniversary.
Hopefully, we'll see that Pope Benedict will be just as welcome in the world community. These are difficult times for religious leaders. As John Paul faced challenges with freedom and communism, the current pope faces freedom and human rights issues as well. Let's hope God will guide him and the world will hear another voice crying out for justice and the dignity of all humans.
