Posted on 04/04/2005 2:01:12 PM PDT by wagglebee
President Bush said Monday he is looking forward to attending Pope John Paul II's funeral and expressing Americans' gratitude for the life of such a courageous, moral and holy man.
As Bush prepared to leave for Vatican City later this week, he 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 after meeting with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko in the Oval Office. "And I fully understood that, and I appreciated the conversations I had with the holy father on the subject."
Bush press secretary Scott McClellan said first lady Laura Bush and five others also will attend the funeral as part of the U.S. delegation. McClellan said arrangements were still being made and their names would be announced later on Monday. He said with all the countries planning to send high-level representatives to the funeral, the United States was keeping its delegation small.
McClellan said Bush also would have one-on-one meetings with one or two other foreign leaders while they are gathered in Rome the day before the funeral.
Bush met with the pope three times during his presidency. The first meeting was on July 23, 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."
During their final meeting last June, the pope said he had "grave concern" about events in Iraq. 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.
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 was a courageous person. He was a moral person. He was a godly person," Bush said. It is "my great honor, on behalf of our country, to express our gratitude to the Almighty for such a man. And of course we look forward to the majesty of celebrating such a significant human life."
McClellan said the Bushes will leave Washington on Wednesday for the Friday funeral. Afterward, they plan to fly on to Texas so that Bush can resume his plan to be at his ranch over the weekend and welcome Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon there next Monday.
Bush had to push back other plans for the end of this week. McClellan said Bush will reschedule a trip to South Carolina to push for change to the Social Security system that was planned for Thursday. He's moving a visit to Fort Hood, Texas, from Friday to April 12, McClellan said. The schedule at Fort Hood includes a speech on the war on terror and lunch with the troops.
Well said President Bush.
I suspect our POTUS will speak from the heart. No politicizing will emerge. I do hope all will work out well and there will be no incidence nor attempts at foul play.
I heard on C-span during the White House Briefing that there would be a 5 member delegation going, but McClellan didn't say who the other 3 were besides George and Laura--
Have you heard? I also heard a blurb on radio ABC News that there would be a Senate delegation going--hmm Hillbilly of course, except she isn't even Catholic!
Do you think she would be in the delegation?
The late Pope was a man for the ages. Amazing. We won't see another like him for generations.
PLEZZZZZZZZZZZ tell me he ain't taking Bubba and the BEAST?! Why DO we have to be the good guys towards these *ss****s!! I'm sorry, but these two UNMENTIONALBES are only interested in the limelight and how many votes can we get from the catholics by standing near the Pope!
Hill will muscle her way in. The Catholic vote, of course. The fact that her stand on abortion is anathema to Catholics doesn't matter. During the campaign she'll frown and say how sad it is that some children aren't wanted. Every child should be wanted and loved. Kill those you don't want.
oops, WE should read THEY...:)
Remember, Kerry even admitted in an interview that he believes life begins at conception--
He is also a Catholic, but he never once campaigned against abortion or even partial-birth abortion. I saw him in a black church in Florida with Jesse Jackson telling the congregation not to WORRY about abortion---that only right-wing evangelical NUTS worry about that---
Hillbilly isn't even Catholic so I guess in her mind, if Kerry can get away with what he said as a Catholic, she can get away with as a ????????
Please, Lord, NO Clintons.
Don't you truly believe that the Clinton going to that funeral--with Bill's past and present(?) as an adulterer and liar, and their stances on the social causes that the Pope was exactly opposite them, would be a National Embarrassement??????
That's what I said. I agree with you. Please re-read what I said.
I know---I am sorry you prolly misunderstood what I was doing---
I was clumsily trying to expound on your statement regarding the Clintons---lol
I am sorry...you said it very well, too!!!!
HELLary Clinton shouldn't go... Could you imagine when she walks into the church? She'll go up in flames, especially if she touches the holy water.
From memories of past events at the Vatican - and watching the events there this morning - things always seem rather chaotic. I hope the Italian and Vatican security do their job well.
"From memories of past events at the Vatican - and watching the events there this morning - things always seem rather chaotic."
Yea. It is sort of a free for all. No response required.
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