It’s a natural question

Now that the tremendously successful apotolic visit of Pope Benedict to America has ended, what effect will it have going forward?

Pope Benedict XVI’s U.S. visit left behind the impression of a compassionate and candid leader who has made a successful transition from professor to pope.

But it’s uncertain whether the pontiff’s six-day pilgrimage, which ended Sunday, will make a lasting imprint on a country he obviously admires.

“In the short term, the trip was an enormous success, probably beyond anyone’s expectations, including those of the pope himself,” said Russell Shaw, a Catholic writer and former spokesman for the U.S. bishops’ conference. “Whether the trip is going to have a significant outcome regarding the large problems facing American Catholicism, that’s anyone guess.”

In Washington and New York, Benedict sounded themes about truth trumping moral relativism, rich nations’ responsibility to care for poor ones, and Catholics’ call to live out their faith in the public square. Above all, the pope urged his audiences to find hope in Jesus Christ.

Benedict did not come to make provocative political statements, opting for measured tones. He spoke of keeping immigrant families together but not specific policy prescriptions. He called for peace but did not publicly address the war in Iraq.

He was gentle, but very clear and incisive in everything he said. And he said so much more than the press has been able to assimilate. The transcripts are all here. The impact of the message will depend to some extent on how well those who heard it will pass it on. And live up to its noble challenge.