Pope Benedict XVI concluded his six-day visit to the U.S. with a message of "Christ Our Hope," the theme he focused on throughout his April visit to Washington, D.C., and New York City.

"Only God in his providence knows what works his grace has yet to bring forth in your lives and in the life of the church in the United States," the pontiff said during a closing homily April 20 in New York's Yankee Stadium.

The pope touched upon a wide variety of weighty topics during his trip including the importance of honoring Catholic religious tradition, engaging in dialogue with people of other faiths, respecting human dignity and human rights, celebrating the contributions of immigrants, striving for healing in the wake of the church's sexual abuse scandals and working toward peace around the world.

Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, CHA's president and chief executive officer, was charged with coordinating Pope Benedict's health care needs while he was in the U.S., and she accompanied him on his packed itinerary. Sr. Carol's preparations began in October and included a meeting in Rome with the pope's personal physician and contact with the White House's medical team, which stood ready to provide medical services.

"It was an honor for CHA to have a small role in the visit and also for many members of the CHA staff and board members to be able to participate in many of the papal events," she said. CHA board members and staff attended a greeting ceremony at the White House and a Mass at Nationals Park.

Sr. Carol said she was inspired by the enthusiasm and energy of the pope and of the throngs of people who welcomed him at each stop. "He came as a pastor and shepherd and was attentive to the needs of the different people in the church. He brought a message of Christ's love for us."

Dr. Donald Seitz, a CHA board member and participant in some of the papal activities, said the pope's visit seemed to have a unifying effect. "There was a combination of reverence and a real feeling of community - of being with people who have the same faith and the same beliefs and the same enthusiasm for being there," he said. "It was important for him to be here, and I think his message of the U.S. being a beacon of hope for so many people was an important one."