This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/7348548.stm

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Pope leaves on first America trip Pope leaves on first America trip
(about 2 hours later)
Pope Benedict XVI has left Rome for a six-day visit to the US.Pope Benedict XVI has left Rome for a six-day visit to the US.
During the trip the pope will address the UN, give masses at two baseball stadiums, pray at Ground Zero and visit a synagogue.During the trip the pope will address the UN, give masses at two baseball stadiums, pray at Ground Zero and visit a synagogue.
He is also expected to seek reconciliation over the sex abuse scandal that shook the American church from 2002.He is also expected to seek reconciliation over the sex abuse scandal that shook the American church from 2002.
It is the first time Benedict has travelled to the US since he was elected almost three years ago.It is the first time Benedict has travelled to the US since he was elected almost three years ago.
US President George W Bush is due to make the unusual gesture of greeting the Pope on his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington.US President George W Bush is due to make the unusual gesture of greeting the Pope on his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington.
About a quarter of Americans are Catholics, and the church has been changing with the arrival of millions of new Latino immigrants.About a quarter of Americans are Catholics, and the church has been changing with the arrival of millions of new Latino immigrants.
It is more important to have good priests than many priests Pope Benedict XVI US on pope's wavelength?It is more important to have good priests than many priests Pope Benedict XVI US on pope's wavelength?
The BBC's Jonathan Beale in Washington says the theologically conservative Pope may get a warmer reception for his views in the US than in Europe.The BBC's Jonathan Beale in Washington says the theologically conservative Pope may get a warmer reception for his views in the US than in Europe.
Mr Bush is close to the pontiff in opposing abortion, gay marriage and stem cell research.Mr Bush is close to the pontiff in opposing abortion, gay marriage and stem cell research.
But the two differ on issues including the war in Iraq and capital punishment, both of which the Vatican has opposed.But the two differ on issues including the war in Iraq and capital punishment, both of which the Vatican has opposed.
During the flight to the US, the Pope told reporters that he was "deeply ashamed" by the recent sex scandal.During the flight to the US, the Pope told reporters that he was "deeply ashamed" by the recent sex scandal.
"We will absolutely exclude paedophiles from the sacred ministry," the Pope said, speaking in English."We will absolutely exclude paedophiles from the sacred ministry," the Pope said, speaking in English.
"It is more important to have good priests than many priests. We will do everything possible to heal this wound.""It is more important to have good priests than many priests. We will do everything possible to heal this wound."
Benedict has been asked to meet some victims of clerical abuse and their families during his visit but has so far declined to do so, the BBC's David Willey reports from Rome.Benedict has been asked to meet some victims of clerical abuse and their families during his visit but has so far declined to do so, the BBC's David Willey reports from Rome.
The Pope will celebrate his birthday during the trip, turning 81 on Wednesday.The Pope will celebrate his birthday during the trip, turning 81 on Wednesday.