WASHINGTON, April 14, 2008
Bush To Roll Out Red Carpet For Pope
Nearly 12,000 People Expected At White House Ceremony In Honor Of Benedict XVI's Arrival
-
Photo
Pope Benedict XVI's scheduled meeting with President George W. Bush Wednesday will be the 25th meeting between a pope and a sitting U.S. president. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)
-
Play CBS Video
Video
Pope's First U.S. Visit
Pope Benedict XVI plans to share a message of hope and encouragement with American Catholics on his first visit to the U.S. Priya David reports.
-
Video
Looking Ahead To The Pope's Visit
As Pope Benedict XVI prepares to visit the U.S., many are wondering what he hopes to accomplish during his stay. CBS News Vatican Consultant Fr. Thomas Williams weighs in.
-
Timeline
Pope's U.S. Itinerary
Daily events on the Pope's itinerary during his visit to the U.S. April 15-20.
-
Interactive
Pope Benedict In America
The pontiff makes his first trip to the U.S., with stops in Washington and New York.
- Stories
- Who Is Benedict XVI?
These are all firsts.
Mr. Bush has never before given a visiting leader the honor of picking him up at the airport. In fact, no president has done so at Andrews Air Force Base, the typical landing spot for modern leaders.
A crowd of up to 12,000 is due at the White House on Wednesday morning for the pope's official, pomp-filled arrival ceremony. It will feature the U.S. and Holy See anthems, a 21-gun salute, and the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Both men will make remarks before their Oval Office meeting and a send-off for his popemobile down Pennsylvania Avenue.
The White House crowd will be the largest of Mr. Bush's presidency. It even beats the audience last spring for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, which numbered about 7,000.
The evening festivities will mark the first time the Bushes have put on a high-profile meal in honor of someone who is not even a guest. Wednesday is the pontiff's 81st birthday, and the menu celebrates his German heritage with Bavarian-style food.
But Benedict's prayer service that evening with U.S. bishops at a famed Washington basilica precludes him from coming to the dinner, according to the White House. Catholic leaders will be there instead.
The president explained the special treatment - particularly the airport greeting.
"One, he speaks for millions. Two, he doesn't come as a politician; he comes as a man of faith," Mr. Bush told the EWTN Global Catholic Network in an interview aired Friday. He added that he wanted to honor Benedict's conviction 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."
One senior Vatican official told CBS News correspondent Allen Pizzey that the pope's six-day visit to Washington and New York will be like a pilgrimage to the soul of the American people.
The Bush-Benedict get-together will be the 25th meeting between a pope and a sitting U.S. president.
The first did not come until shortly after the end of World War I, when Woodrow Wilson was received at the Vatican by Pope Benedict XV in 1919. The next was not for 40 more years, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower saw Pope John XXIII in Rome. President Jimmy Carter hosted the first White House visit by a pope, when John Paul II came on Oct. 6, 1979.
Quote
Catholic theologian
Since then, such audiences have become a must-do. Every president has met with the pope at least once, often more. This week makes Mr. Bush the record-holder, with a total of five meetings with two popes.I think it's nice they're going to meet. They have a lot of things to talk about. But the notion that the world operates by the big guys getting together and cutting a deal is wrong.
George WeigelCatholic theologian
There are more than 64 million reasons for this. Catholics number nearly one-quarter of the U.S. population, making them a desirable constituency for politicians to court. Worldwide, there are now an estimated 1 billion Roman Catholics.
"The pope represents not just the Catholic church but the possibility of moral argument in world affairs and it is very important for American presidents to rub up against that from time to time," said George Weigel, a Catholic theologian and biographer of Pope John Paul II.
The Vatican - seat of a government as well as a religious headquarters - has an interest, too.
"It wants to be a player in world affairs, and everyone understands that to do that you have to be in conversation with the United States," said John Allen, the Vatican correspondent for the independent National Catholic Reporter.
On social issues such as abortion, gay marriage and stem cell research, Mr. Bush and Benedict have plenty of common ground.
But they disagree over the war in Iraq, just as Mr. Bush did with Benedict's predecessor, John Paul.
When Benedict was a cardinal before the 2003 invasion, the now-pontiff categorically dismissed the idea that a preventive strike against Iraq could be justified under Catholic doctrine. In his Easter message last year, Benedict said "nothing positive comes from Iraq."
Benedict told Mr. Bush at their first meeting last summer at the Vatican that he was concerned about "the worrisome situation in Iraq." Mr. Bush characterized the pontiff's concerns as mostly limited to the treatment of the Christian minority in Muslim-majority Iraq. The statement out of the Vatican suggested a broader discussion.
Weigel predicted talks this time would be focused almost entirely there.
Prominent Christians have been slain in Iraq in recent weeks and tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians are believed to have fled the country because of attacks and threats. "The Vatican is a very adult place," he said. "The arguments of five years ago are over."
The current pope's approach may be softer than that of John Paul, who turned from Mr. Bush's presentation to him of the Medal of Freedom in 2004 to read a statement about his "grave concern" over events in Iraq. But Benedict is no less committed to the church's stand on issues such as abortion, stem cell research and the death penalty, as well as war.
In fact, the death penalty is another area of long-held disagreement, with Mr. Bush a strong supporter. Benedict also speaks forcefully against punitive immigration laws and the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba, and for environmental protection and social welfare - all in ways that often run counter to Bush administration policies.
But differences between popes and presidents are nothing new.
John Paul and former President Bill Clinton clashed - with strikingly sharp Vatican statements - on abortion.
Also, the church's opposition to almost any war but self-defensive ones has been a persistent theme in U.S. relations.
Pope Paul VI wanted to help mediate an end to the Vietnam War. John Paul also urged President Ronald Reagan against the arms race and spoke out vigorously against the Persian Gulf war under the current president's father. All these urgings, like the current anti-Iraq argument, were to no avail.
"Modern popes have seen themselves as voices of conscience and peacemakers," Allen said. "U.S. administrations haven't always been excited for them to play that role."
Weighty discussions aside, the talks with Mr. Bush are not likely to be the most-remembered or most influential part of the pontiff's six-day, two-city U.S. tour, Weigel said. That is expected to come when Benedict addresses the United Nations on Friday.
"I think it's nice they're going to meet. They have a lot of things to talk about," he said. "But the notion that the world operates by the big guys getting together and cutting a deal is wrong."
© MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
- 1
- 2
- next
See all 53 CommentsHow many Christian leaders have been invited to the White House for such a lavish Bush bash?
How much is this costing taxpayers again? Why aren''t there any monetary figures on the cost of this special treatment. My, US taxpayers are just MONEYBAGS for this Republican president.
Have a great Benedict day.....
Ole Pope Benedict won''t be fooled by the likes of Bush--a warmonger by another name-------and Benedict knows just who Bush is.
Ole Pope Benedict won''''t be fooled by the likes of Bush--a warmonger by another name-------and Benedict knows just who Bush is.
Posted by liberalme
Seems that Benedict agrees with George Bush on Iraq. He would like to see the Iraqis reinstate Catholics and to create a society where all religions prosper, very much like the U.S. the only country in the world that was founded on religious freedom. I''ll be off to D.C. on Wednesday to see the Pope. I''m very excited that he chose an election year. I''m sure he''ll rev up the base.
How about we save the money and put it into the schools or even *gasp* the health care system!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by mjr123451 at 10:35 AM : Apr 14, 2008
Yes sir, I do....but you know ''ol W...he likes to PLAY President..."Looky Daddy..you never done this."
I''m gonna get me one of them Pope hats....that''s my strateeeegerrry."
Posted by liberalme
If anyone can spot a warmonger it should be a German Roamn Catholic.
But the bitty Texan anti-christ is pretty sneaky...
Now he is trying to buy a blessing?
Truly transparent and sad.
Same for his ''supporters''
Posted by USBrit
Scares the hell outta ya does it. Hahahaha!
PETITION AT:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/removable-of-father-michael-pfleger
"In a message on the church''s website, Pfleger says he believes that "we are called by God to build this church in a world filled with division, alienation and racism in order that we may be a witness to the world that it is possible and that the love of God is stronger than the hate of Satan."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffHlGgsezyo
He is a disgrace to the Catholic church and its sacrements and everything that is holy.
He condones and incites criminal behavior and calls for the breaking of the ten commandments.
He promotes known radical hate mongers.
Example below of just one of his many escapades, also please view the interview video attached.
''Snuff'' the Gun Shop Owner, Priest Says
An Illinois gun-rights group says it plans to complain to the Catholic Church after a Chicago priest at the weekend appeared to call for the murder of a suburban gun shop owner.
go to petition to see more....
Woop Woop. cant wait....
These two ''world leaders'' have one thing in common -
Their administrations just love little boys...
Posted by zoe2006
Maybe he can use the Congressional dinning room just like CARE did compliments of Nancy Pewlosi. Do you think the taxpayer''s paid for it?
It has been speculated by other religious dignitaries that President Bush would require a life time of Hail Mary''s. Currently the Catholic church is searching for the meanest, oldest nun to deliver the corporal punishment portion.
This post proves Mudrose to be nothing more than a contrarian, with no thought other than contradicting a liberal. There is very little to promote this Pope to a real conservative, from the people he has appointed to those he has removed, and his policies in general.
"God''s Rottweiler" Becomes the Church''s "Beloved German Shepherd" How Pope Benedict has disappointed the right. By Michael Sean Winters
http://www.slate.com/id/2188874
"Pope Benedict shares virtually none of the core political beliefs of American neocons. In his book Jesus of Nazareth, he warned against "capitalism that degrades man to the level of merchandise." He has consistently spoken out against the Iraq war. And the whole reason Benedict is coming to America is to address the United Nations, which is not the neocons'' favorite organization."
Posted by mudrose at 01:24 PM : Apr 14, 2008
CARE: International relief and development agency that helps people in developing nations through humanitarian programs.
I think quite a few of us taxpayers would be on board with CARE. I prefer our leadership to be working with global humanitarian organizations of this caliber. Far more usefull than forcing some flamboyant and gaudy show to impress a religious leader; one who has already demonstrated that Bush policies don''t impress him.
And what part of your post ISN"T hate-filled and anti-american?
The enemy is terrorists, not your fellow countrymen, Dumslie.
Posted by zoe2006
Maybe he can use the Congressional dinning room just like CARE did compliments of Nancy Pewlosi. Do you think the taxpayer''''s paid for it?
Posted by mudrose
I agree with mudrose. When Iranian President and World Wide Terrorist Supporter Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to New York to speak at a meeting of Democrat Union and Political Leaders they treated him like a beloved Hero. And American Tax Payers Paid for it.
CARE is a non-affiliated religious/non-profit organization. BIG DIFFERENCE -
crawl back into you coffin, this time someone should nail it shut! Trying thinking first
Posted by zoe2006
I didn''t think you''d be out in broad daylight. Hahahaha.
No religious organizations if that''s your bent for profit which I doubt any of them are, or not for profit, according to all you ACLU waterboys, should not be using Congressional space to hold their Anti-American meetings.
So nail you own coffin shut numbnut.
Posted by mudrose at 03:58 PM : Apr 14, 2008
Since when is non-Republican meetings anti-American, Mudrose?
Many things happen in this country without a GOP Politico overseer. So far....
Pope isn''t coming to this fancy dinner.
Pope won''t attend White House dinner
By DEB RIECHMANN Associated Press Writer
Article Launched: 04/11/2008 12:50:19 PM PDT
http://www.contracostatimes.com/politics/ci_8892586?nclick_check=1
Taxpayers Foot Bill for Bush''s Gas Guzzling Trips
By JENNIFER LOVEN Aug 25, 2005
http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/printer_7269.shtml
Taxpayers pick up Bush''s bill
David Lazarus, Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Democratic lawmakers in Washington say they''re drafting a health care reform bill that would expand coverage for low-income kids. President Bush says he''ll veto any such legislation,[this]coming from a man who just underwent a colonoscopy performed at the taxpayer-funded, state-of-the-art medical facility at Camp David by an elite team of doctors from the taxpayer-funded National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/07/25/BU44R6ES62.DTL
The Fargo event like many others, was a public speech for which we, the taxpayers, footed the bill. Yet, the White House continues to "screen out" anyone who is not a Republican loyalist.
http://www.buzzflash.com/editorial/05/02/edi05027.html
Taxpayers Pick Up Tab as Bush Campaigns for GOP
By JENNIFER LOVEN, AP
Bankrolled almost entirely by taxpayers, Bush is roaming far and wide on Air Force One to help Republicans retain control of Congress and capture statehouse contests in high-stakes midterm elections.
http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/taxpayers-pick-up-tab-as-bush-campaigns/20060830233009990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001
The list goes on and on what Bush spends taxpayers money on....what is one little Pope?
White House Policy Illegally Silences Americans Critical of Bush, ACLU Charges (6/28/2007)
Civil Liberties Group Sues Former White House Staffer for Ejecting Taxpayers from Public Events
http://www.aclu.org/freespeech/protest/30298prs20070628.html
Posted by demslie at 03:19 PM
Why do you so-called "conservatives" enjoy lying? You must get it from you god Limbog, your papa.
Bu$h and the Pope...
The closest thing we have that looks like royalty...
Euwww!
So are all of the tele-evangelists preachers.
A lot of them are worth hundreds of millions of dollars. They start brain washing people from the time they are born to give money to the church.
As I have said before, the bible is just a book that was written by humans. It is just stories and fairy tales used to brain wash people into giving their money to a church or a preacher.
It''s your money and your business, but I hope you will at least think about it before you give your money to a church.
What a deal these guy have. They don''t even have to pay taxes on all that money.
and j-whitman is still a dork
Posted by jamesm12341 at 06:23 PM : Apr 14, 2008
Or maybe he is making a point that even conservatives aren''t sure about bringing religious people into their inner circle, it being so small and tight and all.....
Oh, yeah - that''s right...
Bu$h just had the IRS collect all that wonderful tax money, he can afford to throw it around...
Posted by jamesm12341 at 06:23 PM : Apr 14, 2008
Ha!Ha!Ha! Look who''s calling someone else a dork. Ha!Ha!Ha!
OR
President Bush often argues that history will vindicate him. So he can''t be pleased with an informal survey of 109 professional historians conducted by the History News Network. It found that 98 percent of them believe that Bush''s presidency has been a failure, while only about 2 percent see it as a success. Not only that, more than 61 percent of the historians say the current presidency is the worst in American history. In 2004, only 11.6 percent of the historians rated Bush''s presidency in last place. Among the reasons given for his low ratings: invading Iraq, "tax breaks for the rich," and alienating many nations around the world. Bush supporters counter that professional historians today tend to be liberal and that it''s too early to assess how his policies will turn out -
"Our money should not go to events like this... LOL. What a bunch of classless Americans thinking that. Perhaps we should not have a White House or Defense Department. But all these Dummycrats will surely want their food stamps and welfare checks. Bunch of LOW RENT Whiners. LOL "
You are pretty ignorant. Just re-read what you wrote and think about how stupid what you wrote is. Just take a few moments.....
ps I''m not a low rent whiner, I have a Ph.D. and a MORTGAGE, not rent, thank you.
- 1
- 2
- next
See all 53 Comments