4/02/2005

Bush Calls Pope 'Champion of Human Dignity'

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush called Pope John Paul II a "champion of human dignity" as he awaited word on Saturday on the ailing pope's condition.
Bush opened his weekly radio address with a comment about John Paul, who lies close to death at the Vatican.
"His Holiness is a faithful servant of God and a champion of human dignity and freedom. He is an inspiration to us all. Laura and I join millions of Americans and so many around the world who are praying for the Holy Father," he said.
Bush was in the Oval Office before 7 a.m. and was following the news reports from the Vatican. He was being kept up to date by White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card and his chief spokesman, Scott McClellan.
Bush was expected to attend the funeral in the event the pope died.
He met the pope three times, twice at the Vatican, and last June, the president presented John Paul with the Medal of Freedom, the highest U.S. civilian award.

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