Posted on 04/14/2008 8:06:44 AM PDT by NYer
WASHINGTON, D.C., APRIL 13, 2008 (Zenit.org).- U.S. President George Bush said that when he looks into Benedict XVI's eyes, he sees God.
The president made this affirmation Friday when he answered the last question posed him during an interview with Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) anchor Raymond Arroyo.
Arroyo noted that Bush is planning an all-out welcome for the Pope, who arrives in the United States on Tuesday for a five-day visit. Most notably, Bush will go to the airport to receive the Holy Father, a courtesy he has never extended to any visiting leader.
The president says he plans to do this "because [the Pope] is a really important figure in a lot of ways. One, he speaks for millions. Two, he doesn't come as a politician; he comes as a man of faith. And, three, that I so subscribe to his notion that [...] there's right and wrong in life, that moral relativism has a danger of undermining the capacity to have more hopeful and free societies, that I want to honor his convictions, as well."
The Holy Father, Bush said, "represents and stands for some values that I think are important for the health of the country, and when he comes to America, millions of my fellow citizens will be hanging on his every word. And that's why it's important."
Human rights
The EWTN anchor noted that the Pope will probably bring up the issue of the war in Iraq, asking what the U.S. government is doing to protect the Christian minority there.
Bush said that "something we have been doing all along, is urging the government to understand that minority rights are a vital part of any democratic society. And by the way, my concern isn't just for minority rights in Iraq; it's for minority rights throughout the Middle East."
In another area of rights, Arroyo asked Bush why he plans to attend the Olympics opening ceremonies in Beijing, given China's dire human rights record.
Bush stated that he did not want to make the Olympics a political platform: "And the reason why is because I can talk to [China] about religious freedom prior to the Olympics, during the Olympics and after the Olympics -- which I have done. I don't need the Olympics to express my position to the Chinese leadership on freedom. I just don't need them -- because that's all I have been doing as your president. In other words -- if people say, well, you need to express yourself clearly about freedom of religion, my answer is, what do you think I've been doing?"
Human life
Bush talked as well about embryonic stem cell research, for which he has restricted federal funding.
Arroyo noted, "In 2001 you met with then Pope John Paul II; he encouraged you not to endorse federal funding. You didn't; you restricted the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. [...] As a result of that move, alternative technologies were analyzed; adult stem cells have now produced [...] cures for 80 different diseases."
And Bush affirmed: "I feel like it was the right decision then, and obviously the data has now shown that -- I hope it shows to people it's the right decision. [...] By the way, I think this is the beginning of what is a very interesting debate that future presidents are going to have to deal with, and that is science versus ethics, the value of life versus saving life -- supposedly. [...] I've obviously drawn the line in the sand that honoring life in all forms is a touchstone for good science.
"I think it's important for people to understand that a culture of life is in our national interests and that -- it's also important to understand that the politics of abortion isn't going to change until people's hearts change, and fully understand the meaning of life and what it means for a society to value life in all forms -- whether it be the life of the unborn, or the life of the elderly; whether it be the life of the less fortunate among us, or the life of the rich guy. I mean, it's a moral touchstone, I think, that will speak to a healthy society in the long run."
The president said that the moral strength of the Pope is key for politicians.
"And I'm going to remind His Holy Father how important his voice is in making it easier for politicians like me to be able to kind of stand and defend our positions that are, I think, very important positions to take," he said.
Finally, Arroyo asked him, "You said, famously, when you looked into Vladimir Putin's eyes you saw his soul. [...] When you look into Benedict XVI's eyes what do you see?"
And Bush answered immediately, "God."
The Pope’s a good dude.
I listened to this interview last night on the EWTN website. You have to hear the President’s tone of voice when he says “God.” Clearly he is saying this from personal belief and not to create a sound bite.
I still love George W Bush, he is a very GOOD man!!!
Did he see into “His soul”?................
Is any of the Popes visit going to be televised other than on EWTN?
Where exactly is he going to visit?
Any Freepers spoke up yet about being able to see him?
He doesn’t use the Pope Mobile does he? Was that retired with John Paul?
That cuts several ways; like opposition to the Iraq war and support of illegal immigration. - Tom
And he wears really cool shoes.
I think FOX has had commercials regarding the visit. Could be they're going to cover it, or at least the major portions of it.
The Popemobile is here.
He is going to use the Popemobile from the White House to the Basillica on Wednesday. I was going to go see it, but need to be home that day, unfortunately.
Hope some FReepers make it to the Mass on Thursday. I’m sure I’ll get stuck in the traffic at any rate!
I agree. I think he’s had one of the most difficult presidencies ever, though, or at any rate, has had to suffer more vicious personal attacks than any other President. But I guess that goes with the territory of being good...
Enough already.
I can only hope he didn't make this statement.
Supposedly one can see God in people ... I think we are supposed to ... but sometimes it’s really hard.
He’s always seeing things in people’s eyes. I’m not Catholic, but this Pope seems like a good guy, especially in his stance toward Islam. However, with Bush’s track record, maybe I should be worried ;)
I think some of his comments about seeing different things in people’s eyes and souls are funny, but you’re right, he’s a good man. He has taken a lot of flak, but I will miss him ... no matter which party wins this next election.
I totally agree with you! I think in time President Bush will be regarded as a great president, he already is to me. Not perfect, but very, very good
The network affiliates among local stations here (Boston) are promising "full" coverage . . . not quite sure what it means, but undoubtedly they'll have some coverage.
He said it. If you saw the Pope, you’d probably say it, too! He (this Pope) is a very holy man, totally given over to God.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.