Politics

Days 82 And 83: Pirates, Praise And PWDs

By Michelle Levi

April 13, 2009 / 8:31 AM EDT / CBS News

Between pirates, Easter services and Portuguese Water Dogs, President Obama had a very busy weekend.

On Saturday morning the president wished Americans celebrating Easter and Passover happy holidays and called for international peace during his weekly radio address.

(AP Photo/The White House)

In a Washington Post exclusive, the White House announced in Sunday morning's paper that a six week old Portuguese Water Dog, a gift from Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), would be the next First Puppy. Sasha and Melia Obama quickly named the black and white pooch Bo and the White House posted several pictures of the first meeting between the Obamas and Bo.

(AP Photo/J.Scott Applewhite)

On Easter Sunday morning, the first family attended church services at St. John's Episcopal Church in Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. White House officials tell CBS News the choice of this church for Easter services does not indicate that the First Family has chosen a permanent place of worship. He attended a private service at St. John's the morning of his Inauguration.

And in an auspicious ending to Easter Sunday, Mr. Obama learned Sunday afternoon that Richard Phillips, the U.S. captain held hostage in the Indian Sea by Somali pirates since Wednesday had been rescued by U.S. Navy Seals. Sunday afternoon the White House released a written statement from President Obama congratulating Captain Phillips, his crew and the U.S. military for their bravery in the standoff and rescue.

"I am very pleased that Captain Phillips has been rescued and is safely on board the USS Boxer. His safety has been our principal concern, and I know this is a welcome relief to his family and his crew," Mr. Obama wrote. "I am also very proud of the efforts of the U.S. military and many other departments and agencies who worked tirelessly to secure Captain Phillips's safe recovery."

Meanwhile, the Washington Post reports that the pirate drama may be one of Mr. Obama's first tests in office.