[…] Ambassador Glendon hosted a Press Conference and Distribution of Proceedings on Friday, June 27, 2008, at the Istituto Maria Santissima Bambina. The event involved powerful interventions by several nuns and a priest working on the frontlines of the battle against trafficking in persons, and allowed for the presentation of the Proceedings of a week-long anti-trafficking Training Seminar held at the convent last October.

[…] This morning His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received in audience President George Bush. Following a special protocol, the Holy Father greeted President Bush – accompanied by his wife Laura and by Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon – at the entrance to the Tower of St. John located in the Vatican Gardens.

[…] Yesterday in Washington, D.C., Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice released the eighth annual U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report. The 170-country report is the most comprehensive worldwide assessment of the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons. This year’s report includes a particular focus on issues related to forced labor, including efforts to prosecute such crimes.

[…] First of all, I want to express my heartfelt admiration and gratitude to all of you for your work in combating what are nothing less than modern-day forms of slavery. As a professor, one of the commonest aspirations I hear from idealistic students is that they hope to “make a difference,” and one of their commonest worries is wondering whether and how they can do that. You will never have to wonder whether your efforts have made a difference. You know what a difference you have made in the fight against forced labor and sexual exploitation.

[…] Today, across the globe, and in towns and cities at home, Americans will gather to stand silently at the final resting places of so many of our compatriots who heeded our nation’s call to arms. Just as we have come here this morning, thousands have gathered across Europe at similar cemeteries; at Florence, at Flanders, and at Belleau Wood in Normandy. And, in those places made sacred by sacrifice, many people will struggle, as I do here this morning, to find some way to put into words the profound gratitude we feel for the gifts they have given each of us.

[…] She presented Secretary General Redouane with a framed photograph of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, and received a tour of the large and beautiful mosque. Over tea, she and her hosts were able to discuss a variety of issues including the status of Muslims in Rome and efforts to develop an indigenous cadre of imams and ensure proper education for Muslim children.

[…] The Latin American Human Rights Project: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow was the theme of a conference hosted by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See on May 2, 2008. The event was co-sponsored by the Chilean and Costa Rican Embassies to the Holy See. Ambassador Glendon highlighted the many contributions of Latin American countries to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

[…] The 25-minute live interview was dedicated to various aspects of the U.S.-Holy See relationship, with specific focus on Pope Benedict's April 15 - 20 trip to the U.S.

[…] Media interest in Pope Benedict's visit to the United States gave Ambassador Glendon a rare opportunity to talk with a global audience about the U.S.-Holy See diplomatic relationship – founded on a common commitment to human dignity. She used a series of TV, newspaper and radio interviews to provide an informed and thoughtful perspective to the Papal visit, while underscoring our shared vision of the centrality of human rights and religious freedom.

[…] U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon joined U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Zalmay Khalilizad as Pope Benedict XVI addressed representatives to the world body from 192 countries. Upon arrival, the Pope --accompanied by H.E. Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Holy See's Permanent Observer to the United Nations -- met with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

[…] The liturgical celebration reflected the diversity of Catholic heritages and sensibilities representative of the Archdiocese of Washington, where the Mass was held. Music composed in the 40 years since the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council was included, as were ancient Latin texts set to chant. A musical highlight was the appearance of opera star Placido Domingo who sang the opening phrase of "Panis Angelicus."

[…] Holy Father, Laura and I are privileged to have you here at the White House. We welcome you with the ancient words commended by Saint Augustine: "Pax Tecum." Peace be with you. You've chosen to visit America on your birthday. Well, birthdays are traditionally spent with close friends, so our entire nation is moved and honored that you've decided to share this special day with us. We wish you much health and happiness -- today and for many years to come.

[…] 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.

[…] Tickets to the two public Masses the pope will celebrate were swept up quickly by people eager to see and hear the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Requests for tickets for the Washington Mass at the new Nationals baseball stadium -- which opened March 30 -- numbered more than 150,000 for the 46,000 available spaces. And more than 200,000 applied for the 57,000 available seats in Yankee Stadium in New York.

[…] A while ago I announced that I would be naming a Presidential Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Conference, and I am pleased to announce it's Sada Cumber. He's a very successful businessman, a person who knows the Islamic world, and has agreed to serve in that capacity.

[…] President and Mrs. Bush will welcome His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to the White House on April 16, 2008, during his first visit to the United States as Pope. The President and the Holy Father will continue discussions, which they began during the President’s visit to the Vatican in June 2007, on their common commitment to the importance of faith and reason in reaching shared goals.

[…] President Bush, meeting with Sant'Egidio in June of last year, called the organization a "part of an international army of compassion." The United States highly values its partnership with Sant'Egidio as part of our common commitment to helping the poor, feeding the hungry and eradicating disease. We support Sant'Egidio's DREAM Project that addresses HIV/AIDS by bringing vital anti-retroviral drugs to the poor and marginalized in several African countries.

[…] Thanks for having us. Listen, Laura and I are thrilled to be with you. Proud to be with the Mayor and Councilman Jack Evans. We appreciate very much the Serve D.C. that is working to inspire volunteerism, and I want to thank this beautiful library for hosting us. I just got a couple of comments I want to say. First of all, Martin Luther King Day means two things to me. One is the opportunity to renew our deep desire for America to be a land of promise for everybody, a land of justice, and a land of opportunity.

[…] In the brief time Dr. King walked upon this earth, he devoted his life to strengthening the content of the American character and called on our Nation to live up to its founding principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all its citizens. Dr. King's faith in the Almighty gave him the courage to confront discrimination and segregation, and he preached that all the powers of evil are ultimately no match for even one individual armed with eternal truths.

[…] During Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world reflect on Abraham's unwavering faith and his trust in God when asked to sacrifice his son. These four days are a time for Muslims to honor Abraham's obedience by celebrating with family and friends and showing gratitude for the many blessings bestowed by God. This holiday also helps ensure the important values of compassion and devotion are passed on to future generations.