Vatican City, Jan 26, 2004 / 22:00 pm
During his meeting with United States Vice President Dick Cheney, Pope John Paul II praised American fundamental values, and asked the US to foster international cooperation. Cheney, his wife and his staff were welcomed to the Vatican at 11 this morning by Pope John Paul II.
Cheney presented the Pope with a crystal dove and delivered greetings from President George W. Bush.
In response, the Pontiff said he was pleased “to welcome you and your family to the Vatican and to receive the cordial greetings which you bring from President Bush.”
“The American people have always cherished the fundamental values of freedom, justice and equality. In a world marked by conflict, injustice and division, the human family needs to foster these values in its search for unity, peace and respect for the dignity of all,” the Pope added.