Pope honours Bush with welcome at Vatican gardens
Published Date:
14 June 2008
POPE Benedict gave President George Bush an unprecedented welcome in the tranquillity of the Vatican gardens yesterday, before the US president resumed his campaign to rally European support for sanctions against Iran.
Under tight security, Bush was driven from the bustle of Rome into the idyllic setting. As birds chirped, the two entered a restored medieval tower and held 30 minutes of private talks.
"Such an honour, such an honour," Bush told the pope. After the meeting in the tower, they stood on a terrace to take in the view of 108 acres of manicured gardens, buildings, ancient walls and St Peter's Basilica that make up Vatican City.
Mr Bush asked: "How big is it?" A Vatican aide responded: "Not quite as big as Texas." Bush then said: "Yes but more important ... this is spectacular."
The talks in the tower, walk in the gardens and a performance by the Sistine Choir as the two sat on wooden lawn chairs were a break with normal protocol.
It was the first time a meeting with a head of state at the Vatican was not held in the pope's private study and was meant to repay Bush for the White House lawn reception the pope got in April on his 81st birthday.
The full article contains 217 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
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Last Updated:
14 June 2008 12:30 AM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
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Related Topics:
Roman Catholic church