Cardinal Egan converts to Yankees fan

NEW YORK "I was a Cubs fan all my life until I came to New York and was converted," said Egan, who as leader of the Archdiocese of New York will play host to Pope Benedict XVI's when he visits the city next week and holds Mass at Yankee Stadium.

"And don't forget, converts are more committed than nonconverts," Egan said after delivering his homily on Sunday at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Benedict is scheduled to arrive in Washington on Tuesday, his first visit as pope to the United States. He will meet with President Bush at the White House and the nation's bishops.

The pope then arrives in New York on Friday. His schedule also includes another Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, and a visit to Ground Zero.