Papal visits to the United States

Pope John Paul II presides over a Mass at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, N.Y.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Pope John Paul II waves to the crowd at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, N.Y.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Pope John Paul II arrives at the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Pope John Paul II gives Communion to two girls at New York’s Central Park.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times )

During Pope John Paul II’s visit to Baltimore, attendees at a papal Mass in Camden Yards receive Communion.  (Ruth Fremson / Associated Press)

Pope John Paul II and President Clinton clasp hands as they leave the stage after addressing a crowd in St. Louis.  (Ron Edmonds / Associated Press)

Pope Benedict XVI arrives at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, where he is greeted by President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

At St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y., Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd during a youth rally.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)