Pope Benedict XVI Wows The U.S. And New York On First Visit

Pope Benedict XVI left for Rome on Sunday evening after completing his first trip to the U.S., during which he made the first papal visit to an American synagogue, met with acclaim after meeting with victims of clerical sexual abuse and prayed at the World Trade Center site.

Benedict XVI, who celebrated his 81st birthday last Wednesday, also held the first Mass by a Pope at St. Patrick's Cathedral and addressed the UN General Assembly. On Sunday, he left the U.S. after a reception attended by about 3,250 guests, including Vice President Dick Cheney

Addressing those gathered to see him off, Benedict said, "These days that I have spent in the United States have been blessed with many memorable experiences of American hospitality, and I wish to express my deep appreciation to all of you for your kind welcome.

"It has been a joy for me to witness the faith and devotion of the Catholic community here."

Earlier in the day, Benedict had delivered a solemn, 20-minute visit to Ground Zero and prayed for God to bring "peace to our violent world."

The pontiff also asked for God to heal those hurt in the attack and "all those who lost loved ones in this tragedy," while calling for "peace in the hearts of all men and women and peace among the nations of the Earth."

"Turn your way of love to those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred," Benedict said, calling Ground Zero, where more than 2,700 people were killed, a "scene of incredible violence and pain."

Later in the day, Benedict XVI became the third Pope to celebrate a Mass at Yankee Stadium - Paul VI being the first in 1965, and John Paul II in 1979.

During his homily, Benedict urged American Catholics to follow the tenets of their faith at all times: "Praying fervently for the coming of the Kingdom also means being constantly alert for the signs of its presence, and working for its growth in every sector of society," he said. "It means facing the challenges of present and future with confidence in Christ's victory and a commitment to extending his reign. It means not losing heart in the face of resistance, adversity and scandal."

During his visit, Benedict also tried to repair the strained relations between the Church and American Catholics following the sexual-abuse scandals.

He met with a small group of victims of clerical sexual abuse in Washington and called for a "time of healing" during the Mass held at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Saturday.