State of the Union Address

09 February 2006

THE U.S. EMBASSY TO THE HOLY SEE
THE U.S. EMBASSY TO ITALY
Offices of Public Affairs

On January 31, President Bush delivered his State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. In it, the President stressed the importance of democracy in the world and the need for its spread to countries such as Syria, Burma, Zimbabwe, North Korea and Iran “because the demands of justice, and the peace of this world, require their freedom as well.”

Ambassador Francis Rooney of the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See commented on the address, “Freedom is not just an idea, but also a right for the people of this world. Yes, political freedom, but religious freedom as well. The Holy See has long joined the United States in this struggle and continues to be an invaluable leader.”

President Bush called attention to the need for economic progress through “fighting disease and spreading hope in hopeless lands.” The President also emphasized the American belief that a villager with HIV/AIDS, an infant with malaria, a refugee fleeing genocide or a young girl sold into slavery have “God-given dignity and worth.” The United States continues to take the lead world wide on these issues, working closely with organizations affiliated with the Catholic Church in many destitute areas, improving conditions for those who suffer.

Immigration, an issue that confronts many nations today, was also part of President Bush’s message. He stressed that the United States needs secure borders as well as a rational, humane guest worker program. Global issues such as trafficking in persons, poverty and hunger can be remedied through better immigration procedures and preventing the “brain-drain” that so many countries are experiencing.

The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See is committed to the goals laid out in the President’s State of the Union address and is working to ensure their success throughout the world. Ambassador Rooney added, “We will continue to work with the Holy See to stride forward into 2006 and beyond, to promote democracy and freedom, to relieve the suffering of those infected with HIV/AIDS and to feed the hungry. President Bush has set high standards for the United States and we will do our part to maintain and exceed them. We are fortunate to have the Holy See, a global actor and thinker like the United States, as a partner to work towards these ends.”