The NBC coup resulted from aggressive legwork and artful negotiations by Timothy J. Russert, an NBC vice president. "My background as an altar boy helped," he said.

As a backstop, Russert met with Cardinal John Krol of Philadelphia and gave him a copy of the letter to deliver to the Pope. Krol later told Russert that it was unnecessary. "The Pope had already seen it and said he enjoyed it," Russert said.

The Pope agreed and also consented to greet [Bryant Gumbel], [Jane Pauley] and weatherman Willard Scott after the Mass. They will be allowed to wear microphones. Half the NBC contingent of 18, including Gumbel, are Catholic, Russert said.