From Deseret News archives:
Bush, Pope Benedict weigh 'the worrying situation in Iraq'
The Vatican, describing the private meeting of the pope and president on Saturday as "cordial," said later that they had addressed "the international political situation" including "the worrying situation in Iraq."
On the streets of Rome, battalions of carabinieri, some in riot gear, contained several thousand protesters, with the main boulevard leading to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican cordoned off.
Inside the Vatican, the spectacularly uniformed Swiss Guard greeted Bush's arrival for his session with the pope. Benedict has spoken out against the war in Iraq, saying during his Easter message in St. Peter's Square that "nothing positive comes from Iraq, torn apart by continual slaughter as the civil population flees."
"We didn't talk about 'just' war," Bush said at a brief news conference in Rome later, professing himself to be "in awe" of the new pope after their 30-minute meeting. "He did express big concern about the Christians inside Iraq, that he was concerned that the society that is evolving would not tolerate the Christian religion.... He is deeply concerned about that, and we spent a long time talking about it."
They discussed moral and religious issues, according to the Vatican, including human rights and religious freedom, "the defense and promotion of life, marriage and the family" and education.
The pope also asked Bush about his meeting last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who opposes the Bush administration's plan to deploy several defensive missiles in Poland but has offered a Soviet-era radar installation in Azerbaijan as the eyes of a joint U.S.-Russian-run defensive network.
"Your dialogue with Putin was also good?" the pope was overheard asking the president during a brief moment in which reporters and photographers were allowed inside the pope's private library.
"I'll tell you in a minute," Bush replied, eyeing the media.
Recent comments
The 10 commandments on the walking stick is, no doubt, the shortened...
Anonymous | Sept. 11, 2007 at 9:49 a.m.
- Prep football playoff games today 9:40 p.m.
- 5 men charged with child sex crimes 9:39 p.m.
- Provo convention center close 9:38 p.m.
- London latest in pilot drinking cases 9:37 p.m.
- Utah: $850M budget shortfall 9:35 p.m.
- Study: 10 states face budget crises 9:35 p.m.
- Cougar vets have seen darker days 9:32 p.m.
- PETA targeting U. laboratories 9:29 p.m.
- Audit: S.L. County 911 'inefficient' 9:25 p.m.
- Will state consider gay rights law? 9:23 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Cougars' defensive hoops clinic
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- Gays get Mormon support in SLC
- House passes health care bill
284 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
239 - TCU showdown has big implications
193 - Senators want food tax restored
157 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
109 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
108 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
100
Maybe someone out there can help me understand how raising the state...
We love you and will keep your family in our prayers. May the Lord bless you...
I want to know why it is "going to the children" Should it not be going back...
Technical education includes only the skills that are defined by industry as...
The Jazz need a trade ASAP to create some sort of spark.
I can apperciate that post, but with 2 -7 footers under the rim you are only...
Man i cant wait till saturday.. This is going to be a great game.. I hope...
Hello, I'm a senior at Alta and I know it will be a tough battle with...
Fox has a credibility issue with middle America as being to far right winged....
I don't like the elbow being thrown. I have never played competitive soccer...
Cindy and family, We are so sad for your family's loss. You are in our...


