Thursday, April 17, 2008, the third day of Pope Benedict XVI's first apostolic journey to the United States, is also his busiest, with three public events planned (check the links below throughout the day for coverage of each event):

• Mass at the Washington Nationals Stadium
• Meeting With Representatives of Catholic Universities
• Meeting With Representatives of Other Religions

The hectic schedule follows Wednesday night's celebration of vespers and meeting with the bishops of the United States, during which Pope Benedict praised America as "a land of great faith," but warned his brother bishops that "the subtle influence of secularism can nevertheless color the way people allow their faith to influence their behavior." He called on all Catholics in the United States to remember that we are not simply individuals but a "redeemed community," with shared responsibilities to one another.

The Holy Father urged the bishops to encourage American Catholics to conform their lives to the teachings of the Catholic faith, as well as to make that faith permeate "every aspect of their lives."

(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Resources for Pope Benedict's April 2008 Visit to the United States:

• Biography of Pope Benedict XVI
• Schedule of Pope Benedict's 2008 Visit to the United States
• Pope Benedict XVI Visits Washington, D.C.
(by Rachel Cooper, About.com Guide to Washington, D.C.)
• White House Welcoming Ceremony for Pope Benedict
• Celebration of Vespers and Meeting With U.S. Bishops
• Pope Benedict XVI Visits New York City
(by Pamela Skillings, About.com Guide to Manhattan)