"I am glad to be here," he addressed the crowd. "I had nothing else to do today."
He remained throughout the launch, allowing himself to be moved to a safer distance from the pad before the actual firing. He was heard to ask one of the operatives to explain to him why he would be safer standing closer to the rocket than he had been before but his words were drowned out by the explosion of the engines.
Later a source close to the Bishop said that the Bishop was very pleased with the event and would consider attending again -
"His Holiness had a very enjoyable day and looks forward to the next opportunity to attend a launch. His doctors have advised that he may be back on his feet by the end of the month and the bandages should in no way inhibit his ability to travel."
NASRA said that it was an honour to have a member of its own clergy at a launch and wished him a speedy recovery -
"It is not often our launches are graced with such a person," said their spokesman. "We are investigating the safety issue and may, in future, advise non-standard personel to actually stay in the Volvo."
