Posted on 07/10/2009 11:06:55 AM PDT by presidio9
President Barack Obama sat down with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on Friday for frank but constructive talks between two men who agree on helping the poor but disagree on abortion and stem cell research.
"It's a great honor," Obama said, greeting the pope and thanking him for this first meeting, which lasted 30 minutes. They sat down at the pontiff's desk in the Papal Library and exchanged pleasantries before the media were ushered out of the ornate room.
The pope was heard asking about the Group of Eight summit, the meeting of developed nations that concluded before Obama arrived at Vatican City. Obama said the meeting "was very productive."
Afterward, the Vatican said they discussed immigration, the Middle East peace process and aid to developing nations. But the Vatican's statement also underscored the pair's deep disagreement on abortion.
"In the course of their cordial exchanges, the conversation turned first of all to questions which are in the interest of all and which constitute a great challenge ... such as the defense and promotion of life and the right to abide by one's conscience," the statement said.
Even in his gift to the U.S. leader, the pope sought to communicate his beliefs. Benedict gave Obama a copy of a Vatican document on bioethics that hardened the church's opposition to using embryos for stem cell research, cloning and in-vitro fertilization. Obama supports stem cell research.
"Yes, this is what we had talked about," Obama said, telling the pope he would read it on the flight to Ghana.
Earlier, the pope's secretary, the Rev. Georg Ganswein, told reporters the document would "help the president better understand the position of the Catholic church."
Denis McDonough, a deputy national security aide to Obama, said the president looked forward to reading
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
AN ATHEIST IN THE WOODS
An atheist was walking through the woods.
‘What majestic trees!
‘What powerful rivers!
‘What beautiful animals!
He said to himself.
As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him.
He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him.
He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him..
He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer.
He tripped & fell on the ground.
He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him.
At that instant the Atheist cried out,
‘Oh my God!’
Time Stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.
As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky.
‘You deny my existence for all these years, teach others I don’t exist and even credit creation to cosmic accident.’
‘Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament?
Am I to count you as a believer?
The atheist looked directly into the light, ‘It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps you could make the BEAR a Christian’?
‘Very well,’ said the voice.
The light went out. The sounds of the forest resumed. And the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together, bowed his head & spoke:
‘Lord bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen.’
Do I remember correctly that some months ago, when the Zero rescinded GWB’s old orders concerning stem cell research, that the effect was to fund only, or very chiefly, the embryonic stem cell research that the Pope denounces?
Amen
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iR2nCI7PERBfajBmMBOG-lvPR3LwD99BNVDO0
And delivers a letter from the ailing Sen. Kennedy - who is, no doubt, seeking absolution from his drunken and debauched life.
I wonder if the Pope felt an overwhelming presence of evil?
For sure he must have thought Michelle was an Islamic soothsayer, after all, she was dressed like one.
LoL!
Women who are granted a Papal audience are instructed to wear black and cover their heads and arms.
But it does seem to me that Michelle was looking to outdo Laura Bush after her multiple faux pas with Queen Elizabeth.
I thought so too.
Didn’t Hilary wear a pantsuit when she met the Pope?
Well? Did he bow like he did to the king of Islam?? I thought not!
Listen, you'd have to be a political retard not to wear what you were told to a Papal audience. That being said, several First Ladies have met with Popes outside of the Vatican, including Mrs Clinton, both Mrs. Bush, Mrs Johnson, and (I assume) Mrs Reagan and Mrs Carter.
Ah, my last post on Free Republic under this name
I wonder if the Pope fell on his knees an kissed Obama’s ring?
Somewhere somebody is adding this line to a certain list of FReeper quotes. Best of luck with your new screen name.
It IS ironic that all women look hotter when they they try to look demure.
Thank goodness she covered herself up.
LOL!
Very good. You gave me a good chuckle for the day. But I assume from your blog name that you like cats. I do too. We have two strays now but have had many cats over the years.
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