Saturday, June 09, 2007

Historic meeting between President Bush and Pope Benedict covers wide range


President Bush, Pope Benedict XVI, First Lady Laura Bush

Middle East, Africa, Putin

Vatican City, Jun 9, 2007 / 12:32 pm (CNA).- This morning President George W. Bush was received in an audience by Pope Benedict XVI for the first time. The discussions between the two world leaders revolved around the situation in the Middle East, Africa (especially Darfur), and a host of societal issues of concern to Christians.

When the topic of the situation in the Middle East was raised, particular attention was given by the Holy See to the Israeli-Palestinian question, to Lebanon, to the worrying situation in Iraq, and to the critical conditions being experienced by the Christian communities in those places.

The Vatican expressed hope that a "regional" and "negotiated" solution to the conflicts and crises afflicting the region could be found.

At a news conference with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi during the president's swing through Europe, Bush said that, "He [Benedict] was concerned that the society that was evolving would not tolerate the Christian religion” and that "the Christians inside Iraq [are] being mistreated by the Muslim majority."

Bush said he assured the pope — whom he described as "very smart, loving man" — that the United States was working hard to ensure that the Iraqi people live up to their constitution in treating Christians fairly.
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