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President Bush meets Pope Benedict XVI
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President Bush meets Pope Benedict XVI, June 9, 2007
President George W. Bush met with Pope Benedict XVI for the first time on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City. The President was accompanied by Mrs. Bush, Ambassador Rooney, and several members of his senior staff.
In the course of the visit, the main themes of the international political situation were discussed. Main topics of interested included those affecting the Middle East; with particular attention given to the Israeli-Palestinian question, to Lebanon, to the situation in Iraq, and to the critical conditions being experienced by the Christian communities. Discussions also covered Africa and its development, including the situation in Darfur, and there was an exchange of opinions on Latin America.
In addition to political issues, contemporary moral and religious issues were examined, among them those concerning human rights and religious freedom, the defense and promotion of life, marriage and the family, the education of the young and sustainable development.
