AN ENTHRALLED crowd of more than 13,500 sang Happy Birthday to Pope Benedict XVI yesterday – twice – while George Bush said that the first papal visit to the White House in 29 years was a reminder for Americans to "distinguish between simple right and wrong".
In his welcoming speech to the Pope, the US president said: "In a world where some see freedom as simply the right to do as they wish, we need your message that true liberty requires us to live our freedom not just for ourselves but in a spirit o
f mutual support."
The two men share much common ground, particularly in opposing abortion, gay marriage and embryonic stem-cell research, but they disagree over the war in Iraq, the death penalty and the United States' trade embargo against Cuba. Pope Benedict also speaks for environmental protection and social welfare in ways that often run counter to Mr Bush's policies.
The pontiff has told reporters that he planned to bring up immigration policy with Mr Bush during their private Oval Office meeting. Benedict has talked forcefully in the past about the damage caused by punitive immigration laws.
The pontiff turned 81 yesterday, the first full day of his first trip to the US as leader of Roman Catholics. His 90-minute stay at the White House – only the second by a pope – was accompanied by a pomp and pageantry rarely seen, even at a venue accustomed to welcoming royalty and the world leaders.
The vast South Lawn was filled to nearly bursting with the largest crowd of Mr Bush's presidency, requiring a large television screen so those farther back could see.
Thousands of people filled Washington's streets as well, playing music and waving banners as they waited for a glimpse of the pontiff.
An almost serenely quiet papal arrival at the White House preceded the programme, as Benedict's limousine pulled up to a greeting from Mr Bush and his wife, Laura. The two leaders strolled along a red carpet to a platform on the lawn, and sat side-by-side as the Marine Band played the national anthem of the Holy See, while a 21-gun salute sprayed smoke into the air.
The famed American soprano Kathleen Battle sang The Lord's Prayer. The US army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps marched by, dressed in colonial garb.
The love in the audience was evident. A few yelled "Viva il Papa". Four youngsters sat on the grass with handmade signs, one reading "We love you pope of hope" and another showing a birthday cake – chocolate – with an 81 on it. Happy Birthday was sung spontaneously early in the ceremony, while a formal, more full-throated version came at the end. "God bless America," said Benedict robustly, to cheers from the excited throng.
The six-day trip to Washington and New York City coincides not just with his birthday; it is the third anniversary of his ascendancy to the Church's top position. Nurturing the US flock is a sensitive and important mission for Benedict at a time, not just of ongoing scandal in the American church, but amid his campaign to beat back secularism and reignite faith worldwide.
"I trust that my presence will be a source of renewal and hope for the Church in the United States and strengthen the resolve of Catholics to contribute even more responsibly to the life of this nation," he said.
The full article contains 579 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
