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19:16 GMT, Thursday, 17 April 2008 20:16 UK

In pictures: Pope's Mass

Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

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Pope Benedict XVI has celebrated Mass at the Nationals stadium in Washington DC. The new stadium was holding its first non-baseball event.

A nun watches opening services before Pope Benedict celebrates mass at the Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

A nun watches opening services before Pope Benedict celebrates mass at the Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

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Gates at the stadium opened before dawn, and more than 40,000 people turned out for the service.

Deacons at the Nationals stadium in Washington DC, 17 April 2008

Deacons at the Nationals stadium in Washington DC, 17 April 2008

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These deacons passed the time playing "baseball" before the service started.

Secret service operatives surround the Popemobile as Pope Benedict arrives for Mass at the Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

Secret service operatives surround the Popemobile as Pope Benedict arrives for Mass at the Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

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Strict security measures have been put in place throughout the Pope's visit.

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass at the Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass at the Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

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For the third time in as many days, the Pope publicly accepted responsibility for the sex abuse scandal that shook the US church from 2002.

Catholics attend Mass at the Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

Catholics attend Mass at the Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

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It was the first of two baseball stadium masses during the Pope's six-day visit to America. On Sunday he will hold a service at the Yankee stadium in New York.

Catholic priests give communion at Catholics attend Mass at the Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

Catholic priests give communion at Catholics attend Mass at the Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

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Deacons were positioned around the stadium to give Communion to worshippers.

Maria Laura Bompadre (l) and Barbara Gamiz (r) outside the Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

Maria Laura Bompadre (l) and Barbara Gamiz (r) outside the Nationals stadium, Washington DC, 17 April 2008

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Those who could not get tickets had to watch the Mass on a giant screen outside.

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