POPE'S VISIT WON'T SOON BE FORGOTTEN

Editor's note: Laura Johnston, Southeast Missourian religion reporter, is in St. Louis covering Pope John Paul II's visit. She filed this report on her impressions of the event late Tuesday.

ST. LOUIS -- The images are too deeply embedded in my mind to ever forget:

-- The reaction of the young people as the pontiff declared that "tonight the pope belongs to you" while speaking at the Light of the World youth rally and prayer service.

-- The tears of joy streaming down the young, smiling faces in emotional expression of how important the day was.

-- The faces of children from Cardinal Glennon Hospital, especially Erin Oberhaus of Cape Girardeau, that lit up as Pope John Paul II offered a special prayer and blessing.

-- The gifts, especially the hockey stick and St. Louis Blues jersey imprinted with the name John Paul II and the number 1.

Thousands of Catholics of all ages lined the streets of St. Louis Tuesday just to get a glimpse of the leader of their church.

Watching the pope arrive had an amazing effect on me too. As a Southern Baptist, I didn't really know what to expect from the papal visit. As a member of the press covering the visit, I had researched stories and contacted local people who would be attending events.

But seeing thousands of youths who lined up at dawn under the Gateway Arch, I realized that regardless of faith or belief, the message of Pope John Paul II was one of passion and power.

This is a man who cares about those who suffer. He speaks out about injustices, the plight of the poor and handicapped, and the need for peace in the world.

He brings a message of hope when he visits a city.

This pope, John Paul II, is a man loved by Catholics around the world -- and it is not just because he is the leader of their church or head of the Vatican City. It is because he commands respect for his efforts toward peace and unity among Christians around the world.

President Clinton commended the pope for his efforts toward peace and human dignity during remarks at the airport. Seeing the two leaders together was a juxtaposition of roles: one a middle-aged, popular leader plagued by political troubles; the other a world-recognized spiritual leader plagued by age and ailing health.

The pope arrived Tuesday to a city filled with jubilant Catholic youths and church leaders delighted that he had chosen to visit them.

And the pontiff was energized by their enthusiasm.

With the 20,000 Catholic youths inside the Kiel Center, even the slightest smile and a wave from Pope John Paul II could send up thunderous cheers that were barely quieted. Reporters from around the world applauded as they watched the pontiff's mid-afternoon arrival at Lambert Airport on a jumbo-sized television screen inside a hotel ballroom that doubled as a media center.

For some of us, actually seeing his face brought a sigh of relief. All our preparations weren't made in vain.

During his evening speech at Kiel, the pontiff urged the youths to use their "marvelous gift of God" to train for a life that brings God's message to the world.

"Christ and the church need your special talents," he said. "Use the gifts the Lord has given you."

His words must have had special meaning for home run king Mark McGwire, who greeted the pope with a kiss backstage at Kiel.

Later, speaking from scriptures written by the apostle Paul, the pontiff challenged young people to be a "light to the world reflecting the gospel of the living God."

His words -- "Christ is calling you; the church needs you; the pope believes in you" -- were greeted with applause and cheers.

Missouri youths shed new light on the stability, strength and stamina of the Catholic Church as it strives to reach the new millennium.