"Blessed John Paul II, the pilgrim of peace!"


"United States, I come to you with sentiments of friendship, reverence, and esteem." Bl. John Paul II

Final touches to a banner on Biscayne Boulevard that welcomed Pope John Paul II to Miami	President Reagan greets Pope John Paul II upon his arrival at Miami International Airport

Bl. John Paul II at his arrival at Miami International Airport	Long live the Pope!, His Excellency Edward A. McCarthy, the Archbishop of Miami in 1987, shouted in Spanish.

"I come as a pilgrim; a pilgrim in the cause of justice and peace and human solidarity." Bl. John Paul II	"Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, all of you assembled here today in southern Florida and all the people of this land, you the great nation of the United States: give glory to God together with me." Bl. John Paul II

Pope John Paul II greets faithful in St. Mary's Cathedral	"It is a great joy for me to begin my pastoral visit here in Miami, in this Cathedral of Saint Mary. This Church represents a long history of faith and dedicated Christian life..." Bl. John Paul II
"I want to underscore for everyone that all the people, all the countries of Central America, are in my heart as is this archipelago. I am praying each day for each one of your intentions." Bl. John Paul II

Pope John Paul II ascends to the altar to begin the celebration of Holy Mass
Behind the altar, the clergy receives the information from meteorological services and from city authorities that the Holy Mass must be suspended due to bad weather. The Holy Father remained in silence, while the choir sang "Alleluia." The crowd remained standing under the pouring rain shouting, "No, no!" Finally the Holy Father retired to the sacristy behind the altar. There, together with the Cardinals and Bishops, he finished Holy Mass. A group of faithful stayed close to the altar, crying, praying, and calling him...Almost an hour later, the heavy rain had stopped and the Pope came out to bless them.