Pope Benedict XVI Meets With Pres. Bush at the White House

Pope Benedict XVI Meets With Pres. Bush at the White House

Pope Benedict XVI began his visit to the United States with a trip to the White House on Wednesday morning for a meeting with President Bush.

With fanfare and applause, Pope Benedict XVI arrived before nearly 11,000 faithful from across the country who gathered on the south lawn of the White House to witness history. It's only the second time ever that a pope has visited the White House.

In his first public words on American soil, the pontiff said he hopes that his visit serves to strengthen the resolve of American Catholics to contribute to the life of their nation:

"I come as a friend, a preacher of the Gospel, and one with great respect for this vast, pluralistic society. America’s Catholics have made, and continue to make, an excellent contribution to the life of their country."

President Bush welcomed the Holy Father, saying that America and the world need to hear his message of peace.

What were Pres. Bush and the pontiff going to talk about during their private meeting? The pope has expressed concern over US immigration policy, and the fact that deportations separate families.

Holly Wadleigh of Ambler, Pa. is here in Washington. What would she like the pope to tell President Bush?

"As an American Catholic, I think just being a Navy wife, I would just like to hear him pray for our troops and pray for all of the service members who are fighting right now. Just so we know that we are not forgetting anybody."

The meeting was expected to provide the public's best chance to catch a glimpse of the pontiff as he rides in the "popemobile" from the White house to the Vatican Embassy. Later in the evening, the Pope was to meet with 300 US bishops for a prayer service and address.