The Pope is celebrating his 81st birthday on American soil today. His plane touched down yesterday at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C. Before landing, Pope Benedict waded into one of the most vexing issues before American Catholics today — one that’s touched Chicago in particular: clergy sex abuse. The Pope said he was ashamed of some priests’ conduct, according to reporters aboard his plane. The Pope plans to visit New York Friday, but he won’t come to Chicago this trip. Joining us to talk about the Pope’s U.S. visit, and how Chicago-area Catholics feel about it, is Chicago Sun-Times religion columnist, Cathleen Falsani.

Music Button: Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra, “I know that my Redeemer liveth” from the CD Sumi Jo: Baroque Journey (Warner classics)