The Better: As most of my US readers will know, the Pope is making a his rounds in the United States to inspire the US based Catholics. His visit has been full of meetings with followers, some good and some bad. One of the Pope’s positive meetings this week was the mass of the faithful in New York. Where would one find the devoted of New York? Why Yankee Stadium of course! Pope Benedict XVI was greeted by 60,000 of his flock in Yankee Stadium Sunday. One of the Pope’s goals for this trip is to try and retain followers to the religion that is so wrought with scandal. The traditionalist Pope spoke on abortion, scandal and encouraged young people to join the priesthood. He also spoke part of the service in Spanish to reach out to the thousands of immigrants who have helps raise the Catholic population in the United States.

The Worse: In one of the most shocking scandals in recent years, the Catholic church was accused with hiding the molestation of multiple young children that happened at the hands of priests across the United States. The strength of one person, a single man who spoke up, gave so many like him the courage to speak up as well. On Thursday, the Pope met with a group of molestation victims—male and female—and got the chance to listen to their stories. Some told the Pope about the dear they had. Others expressed their anger. Some just cried. To each the Pope responded, giving words of hope and encouragement.

While some hold this as a first step towards healing for those who suffered at the hands of these priests. I believe this is just the church’s way of trying to keep the followers they have wronged. Catholicism has lost the power it used to have over its followers, and I really think it will see a slow decline as time goes on. Catholicism built its power on keeping things hidden and making changes. The traditional view that Pope Benedict XVI is known for saw its hay day many moons ago, and I don’t think it’s coming back. This US visit is just for appearances.