Washington D.C., Sep 14, 2011 / 15:10 pm
Catholic bishops and lay people gathered Sept. 14 in Washington, D.C. to remember the life of Archbishop Pietro Sambi, a man who was described as having Christ's cross "engraved upon his heart."
The memorial Mass for Pope Benedict XVI's representative to the U.S. was held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, was the principal celebrant of the Mass. He was joined by six cardinals and more than 60 bishops from across the country, in addition to several dozen priests.
The noon Mass, which was open to the public, was also attended by several diplomats and the Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden.