The Region : Pope to Celebrate Mass at L.A. Coliseum

Pope John Paul II will celebrate Mass in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum when he visits Los Angeles next Sept. 15, officials announced. The 2 1/2-hour Mass, expected to draw nearly 100,000 people, is tentatively set to begin at 6 p.m., Coliseum President Bill Robertson announced. During his visit, the Pope will also meet with local representatives of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism in a “celebration” signaling the growing Roman Catholic respect for other world religions, Catholic officials announced. No prayers will be said at the interfaith meeting Sept. 16 in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo. Msgr. Royale Vadakin said arrangements for the meeting “will build on prior friendships” established through the multi-faith Interreligious Council of Southern California.