The Pope and the President

Excerpts

Vatican, Jun. 04 (CWNews.com) – Pope John Paul II (bio – news) called for a rapid “normalization” of the situation in Iraq, under international supervision, as he met on June 4 with US President George W. Bush.

Although many observers expected a clash, a Vatican spokesman said that the two were in agreement on the situation in Iraq.

The Holy Father also spoke of the need to confront the threat of terrorism, saying that this could be done effectively only through “a serene and resolute commitment to shared human values.” He praised American humanitarian work, especially in the fight against AIDS in Africa. And he saluted President Bush for his “promotion of moral values in American society, particularly with regard to respect for life and the family.”

Bush, in his turn, warmly thanked the Pope for receiving his delegation, which included his wife, Laura Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and security adviser Condoleeza Rice. He told the Pontiff that he brought the best wishes of “my country, where you are respected, admired, and very much loved.”

During his visit, the American leader presented John Paul II with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States. Bush read aloud the citation that accompanied the honor, which cited the Pope as “a hero of our times.”

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Joaquin Navarro-Valls said that the Pope and President Bush had found “points of convergence, especially regarding the process of normalization in Iraq.” The director of the Vatican press office said that Bush and the Pontiff had held a “very cordial” private talk before their public exchange.

The Pope concluded his remarks by praising US initiatives to help the needy, especially in Africa. And as he gratefully accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Pope said: “May the desire for freedom, peace and a more humane world symbolized by this medal inspire men and women of good will in every time and place.”

Pope John Paul ended his remarks simply: “God bless America!”

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