Highlights of Pope Benedict's first visit to US as pontiff

Pope Benedict XVI is traveling to the U.S. for the first time since he was elected pontiff in 2005. The trip begins in Washington on April 15, and ends in New York on April 20.

The following are some of his key public events:

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Wednesday, April 16 in Washington:

_ Meets President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, White House

_ Prayer service with U.S. bishops, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

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Thursday, April 17 in Washington:

_ Celebrates Mass at Nationals Park

_ Addresses presidents of Catholic colleges and universities

_ Meets with representatives of other faiths

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Friday, April 18 in New York:

_ Speaks at the United Nations

_ Brief visit to synagogue near the U.N.

_ Ecumenical prayer service at historically German parish

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Saturday, April 19 in New York:

_ Mass for Catholic clergy at St. Patrick's Cathedral

_ Meets with seminarians, young Catholics

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Sunday, April 20 in New York:

_ Visits ground zero, site of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center

_ Mass at Yankee Stadium