ST. LOUIS – A frail Pope John Paul II yesterday called on Americans to end the death penalty, abortion and the “destructive evil” of racism.
The 78-year-old pontiff’s message drew deafening roars of approval and thunderous applause at the packed Trans World Dome, where he celebrated Mass before 100,000 followers in the final hours of his six-day trip to the United States and Mexico.
“Viva El Papa!” worshipers screamed in unison as John Paul slowly lifted his arms in the air and delivered a stirring plea for America to aspire to a higher morality.
“The dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil – end the death penalty, which is both cruel and unnecessary,” said the pope, clutching a crucifix.
His plea came one day after Missouri postponed – in deference to his visit – an execution originally due to take place on Tuesday, and just hours after the state of Texas executed Martin Vega, 52, for a murder he committed in 1985.
Chief Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls described Missouri’s decision to delay the execution of Darrell Mease until Feb. 10 as “a mockery” and said postponement was not enough.
The Holy Father, who earlier had met legendary civil-rights fighter Rosa Parks, also spoke of America’s ongoing struggle for equality.
“As the new millennium approaches, there remains another great challenge: to put an end to every form of racism,” he said.
Unlike the cloister chants usually heard during services at the Vatican, the St. Louis Mass had the stirring sounds of gospel music.
To illustrate America’s melting pot, the pope gave Mass offerings to black, white, Mexican and Asian families.
The pontiff’s homily also pleaded for Catholics to return to Mass, the roots of their faith, and values of a Christian family.
“As the family goes, so goes the nation!” the pope said.
The emotional, spiritually charged Mass featured more than 1,000 priests, 250 bishops and 15 cardinals in the stadium, which only a few days before had housed an auto show.
For the thousands who poured in, it was the ultimate religious experience.
“This was the highlight of 57 years of my life,” said Jeannette Trenary of St. Louis, a mom of three and grandmother of eight.
“It was wonderful. I will try to be more loving and kinder and more generous.”
John Paul paid homage to the deep roots of Catholicism in St. Louis by blessing the altar wine in the same gold chalice used by missionary John St. Cosme in 1698 to celebrate the first known Mass here.
St Louis baseball legend Stan Musial – who has known the pope for years and has visited him several times in Krakow and Rome – knelt devoutly in a box seat during Mass.
The crowds lining the sidewalk to see John Paul over the past two days were the city’s biggest since 1927, when Charles Lindbergh returned from his solo flight to Paris aboard the Spirit of St. Louis.
The pope was scheduled to leave St. Louis late last night aboard a private Boeing 767-300 jet for a nine-hour flight to Rome.
The TWA airliner – dubbed “Shepherd I” – was redesigned especially for the trip, its first-class cabin transformed into a “papal suite.”
Such creature comforts as the pope’s favorite beverage – a fruit-flavored tea from Fortnum & Mason in London – were on board, as well as amenities like an antique silver razor and toothbrush.