delegation
Bush to Lead U.S. Group at Pope's
Funeral
By Nedra Pickler
Associated Press Writer
April 5, 2005
CBN.com –
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush said Monday he will express
Americans' gratitude for the life of Pope John Paul II when he
leads a U.S. delegation to Vatican City as the first sitting president
to attend a pope's funeral.
It will be "my great honor, on behalf of our country, to
express our gratitude to the Almighty for such a man," Bush
said. "And of course we look forward to the majesty of celebrating
such a significant human life."
Press secretary Scott McClellan said first lady Laura Bush and
three other people also would attend the funeral Friday as part
of the U.S. delegation. McClellan said arrangements were still
being made and their names would be announced Tuesday.
The president plans to have one-on-one meetings with one or two
other foreign leaders while they are gathered in Rome the day
before the funeral, the spokesman said.
Bush recalled a trip to the pope's summer residence as one of
the fondest memories of his presidency. He said even though they
didn't agree on everything, he always appreciated hearing the
pope's point of view.
"Of course he was a man of peace, and he didn't like war,"
Bush said. "And I fully understood that, and I appreciated
the conversations I had with the Holy Father on the subject."
Bush met with the pope three times during his presidency. The
first time was in July 2001 when he and the first lady visited
Castel Gandolfo, the pope's summer residence south of Rome.
"I can remember him taking us out on the balcony of this
fabulous palace overlooking a magnificent lake and talking about
his views of the world," Bush said. "It was a moment
I'll never forget during my presidency."
The pontiff was quick to tell Bush about his deep disagreement
with the war in Iraq, the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. troops
and Bush's support for the death penalty. During their final meeting
last June, Bush presented the pope with the Medal of Freedom and
the pope responded by reading a statement that said he had "grave
concern" about events in Iraq.
Bush said the pope will be remembered for the huge influence
he had on the lives of young people around the world and how he
demonstrated "that one man can make a difference in people's
lives."
"He's a courageous person. He's a moral person. He was a
godly person," Bush said.
McClellan said the Bushes will leave Washington on Wednesday
for the funeral, and would fly to Texas afterward. Bush had planned
to be at his ranch for the weekend and welcome Israeli Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon there next Monday.
The funeral pushed some other Bush plans for the week off the
schedule. McClellan said Bush will reschedule a Thursday trip
to South Carolina to push for change to the Social Security system.
He's also moving a visit to Fort Hood, Texas, from Friday to April
12, McClellan said. The Fort Hood schedule includes a speech on
the war on terror and lunch with the troops.
---
On the Net:
White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov
Vatican: http://www.vatican.va
© 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material
may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
|
