WASHINGTON - 17 April 2008 - 320 words
Pope's
meeting with Bush - joint communique
At the end of the private meeting between the Holy Father Benedict
XVI and President George W Bush in the Oval Office of the White
House, the Holy See and the Office of the President of the United
States of America released a joint declaration, the text of which
is given below:
"President Bush, on behalf of all Americans, welcomed the
Holy Father, wished him a happy birthday, and thanked him for
the spiritual and moral guidance, which he offers to the whole
human family. The President wished the Pope every success in his
apostolic journey and in his address at the United Nations, and
expressed appreciation for the Pope's upcoming visit to 'Ground
Zero' in New York.
"During their meeting, the Holy Father and the President
discussed a number of topics of common interest to the Holy See
and the United States of America, including moral and religious
considerations to which both parties are committed: the respect
of the dignity of the human person; the defence and promotion
of life, matrimony and the family; the education of future generations;
human rights and religious freedom; sustainable development and
the struggle against poverty and pandemics, especially in Africa.
In regard to the latter, the Holy Father welcomed the United States'
substantial financial contributions in this area. The two reaffirmed
their total rejection of terrorism as well as the manipulation
of religion to justify immoral and violent acts against innocents.
They further touched on the need to confront terrorism with appropriate
means that respect the human person and his or her rights.
"The Holy Father and the President devoted considerable
time in their discussions to the Middle East, in particular resolving
the Israel-Palestinian conflict in line with the vision of two
States living side-by-side in peace and security, their mutual
support for the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon, and their
common concern for the situation in Iraq and particularly the
precarious state of Christian communities there and elsewhere
in the region. The Holy Father and the President expressed hope
for an end to violence and for a prompt and comprehensive solution
to the crises which afflict the region.
The Holy Father and the President also considered the situation
in Latin America with reference, among other matters, to immigrants,
and the need for a co-ordinated policy regarding immigration,
especially their humane treatment and the wellbeing of their families".
Source: VIS
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