Bush pays farewell visit to Pope

BY CAROL GLATZ
AMERICAN PRESIDENT George W Bush has met Benedict XVI in the lush Vatican Gardens for private talks, an informal stroll and a choral performance by the Sistine Chapel Choir.
The hour-long visit on Friday was the fifth time Mr Bush had attended the Vatican for a papal audience and his third meeting with Pope Benedict. However, it was the first time in recent memory a head of state was welcomed in such an informal way and at such a unique location.
The Vatican had said it wanted to break with protocol to show its appreciation for the president's warm hospitality during the Pope's visit to the White House in April. They both expressed their pleasure at seeing each other again. "It's such an honour:' Mr Bush told the Pope as cameras clicked and smiles beamed. First Lady Laura Bush approached Pope Benedict and said: "How are you? It's so good to see you. You look great."
Pope Benedict and Mr Bush then held 30 minutes of private talks inside St John's Tower. They discussed America's relations with the Middle East and Europe, as well as efforts being made for peace in the Holy Land. They also spoke about globalisation, the food crisis, international trade and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, which have the aim of halving the rates of world poverty.