Posted on 04/06/2005 12:26:19 PM PDT by West Coast Conservative
President Bush will view the body of Pope John II immediately upon his arrival Wednesday from Washington, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said.
Bush and a U.S. delegation that includes two former presidents were flying to Rome late Wednesday to attend Friday's funeral, along with kings, presidents and government leaders from some 100 countries.
It was not immediately known if other heads of state would view the body, which has been lying in state in St. Peter's Basilica since Monday afternoon.
Dignitaries were being allowed to skip the massive line of pilgrims that snaked down a wide boulevard, through ancient alleyways and onto a bridge.
Andy Card was there and no room for Jimmy Carter?!
Oh, no. The MSM will have a field day with this!
I'm watching the U.S. delegation kneeling and paying their respects to the Pope. I can see on Bush41's face that he is very moved (I'm sure W is too), but it made me recall when 41 spoke at Reagan's funeral he was tearily emotional. I guess at ~80 he's understandably reflective.
Keeping in mind I speak as a lifelong Catholic so no disrespect is meant, but how can you walk through St.Peter's and not want to be one (if only for a moment)?
John Paul II often said, "God Bless America."
Likewise. I guess she is coming with the Senate Delegation?!
Yesterday, they were saying that approximately 16,000 to 18,000 people per hour were filing past the Pope's body and that about 600,000 people had viewed his body on Tuesday.
I think just the opposite.. Bill Clinton has been charmed by the grace and compassion of the Bush Dynisty.
The President was just on television at the Vatican - his father and Bill Clinton were there.
Regards, Ivan
She would do anything to avoid having to go on a long flight with her husband.
Clinton looks so out of place in a church.......
CBS News just did a special report on the President's arrival. The only network to do so, I think.
Yah I saw Andy Card there too!
I thought he was anti-capitalist!
>/sarcasm<
Class ALL the way.
wrong.. NBC did it live. first.. C bs was delayed and later.
BTTT!
What a beautifully moving moment. Historically unbelieveable, also. This mourning process we are all going through is continually punctuated with such unique events. Each time I settle myself with the glory of John Paul,II's presence now in heaven, something comes on TV that makes me cry all over again.
Bill Clinton befriended Nixon in his final years. He was much friendlier with Nixon than he was with Jimmy Carter. I understand the two can't stand each other.
Andy Card was there. Heheheh. Too bad, Jimmy!
Who the heck does like Jimmy CARTTTTTTTTTTER? Oh yea, I forgot his best friend MICHEAL MOORE!
Wouldn't you?
Speaking of the ex-President (sounds so good), did you see the way he was cozy-ing up to Condi?
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