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NewsChannel 8 Script:
Anchor Introduction:
CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY IS PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON SPECIAL PREPARATIONS FOR POPE BENEDICT THE SIXTEENTH'S VISIT.
THIS AS THE ANTICIPATION IS BUILDING AMONG MEMBERS OF THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY.
PHILIP STEWART BRINGS US MORE ON THE EXCITEMENT THIS HISTORIC VISIT IS GENERATING.
Story:
"People are excited and it's been part of a lot of student conversation here," said Catholic University student Jamie Carter.
"It is the Pope and it is kind of a big deal for the campus for sure," added Brandon Pettit, a Catholic University staff coordinator.
POPE BENECICT THE SIXTEENTH'S VISIT TO CAMPUS IS NOW JUST DAYS AWAY. AND THE FINISHING TOUCHES ARE BEING PUT ON EVERY LAST DETAIL.
MANY IMPROVEMENTS AND PROJECTS STARTED LAST FALL, ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VATICAN ANNOUNCED THE POPE'S VISIT.
"There's the Catholic University of France, the Catholic University of Argentina; we're the Catholic University of America, so there's a special relationship with the Vatican," said Craig Parker, General Counsel for Catholic University.
THE POPE WILL SPEAK HERE ON THE TOPIC OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION TO AN AUDIENCE OF MORE THAN 600. THAT'LL INCLUDE PRESIDENTS OF MORE THAN 200 CATHOLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.
"Every bit of involvement in preparing for the Pope to come is exciting for everybody on campus, and I'm equally excited to be a part of it," said Pettit.
BUT PERHAPS MOST EXCITED ARE THE STUDENTS, WHO LINED UP WELL IN ADVANCE TO GET TICKETS FOR A CHANCE TO SEE THE PONTIFF.
"My roommates are really intent on being here early to grab one so we don't have to wait in line for hours," said Carter.
"He is getting a lot of hype for his visit here," said Pettit. "The students are excited that he's coming to the university and that he is going to be here and that they are going to get to see him."
TICKETS FOR THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY WERE GIVEN OUT JUST LAST WEEK. THEY'LL ALLOW SOME 4,000 CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF TO ENTER A LAWN NEARBY.
THERE, THEY'LL BE ABLE TO WATCH THE POPE'S SPEECH LIVE ON A LARGE OUTDOOR SCREEN. THEY'LL ALSO BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE POPE BENEDICT AS HE LEAVES.
"It's kind of cool," said student Meghan Morrissey. "The whole fact that the Secret Service is here and that the Pope is going to be here. He's affiliated with our school so it's kind of like meeting a celebrity almost."
POPE BENEDICT 16-TH 'S APRIL 17 ADDRESS WILL MARK THE SECOND TIME A PONTIFF HAS VISITED CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY. IT WILL ALSO MARK THE SECOND TIME THAT A POPE HAS SPOKEN THERE ON THE TOPIC OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION.
SOME THINK IT WILL BE A MOVING EXPERIENCE.
"Seeing the Pope has always been confirmation for me for the importance of the church- the Catholic Church. And also being something very personal for my life," said student Juan Pablo Troya.
THE UNIVERSITY ISN'T SAYING HOW MUCH THEY'RE SPENDING ON IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CAMPUS SPECIFICALLY RELATED FOR THE POPE'S VISIT. BUT AS LAST BIT OF CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS COME TO AN END, AND THE WELCOME BANNERS ARE HUNG FROM THE BASCILLICA, FEW THINK A PRICE CAN BE PUT ON THE IMPACT THIS VISIT WILL HAVE ON SO MANY PEOPLE HERE..
"I think it's an appreciation for that person as a representative of organizations and institutions that are trying to do good in the world," said Parker.
AT CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY, PHILIP STEWART, NEWSCHANNEL 8.
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