Washington D.C., May 19, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Speaking this morning at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, President George Bush thanked Catholics for the contributions they had made to American society—especially in the defense of its most vulnerable members.
“Catholics”, he said, “have made sacrifices throughout American history because they understand that freedom is a divine gift that carries with it serious responsibilities.”
“Among the greatest of these responsibilities”, the president added, “is protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.”
He recalled that this defense of human life “was the message that Pope John Paul II proclaimed so tirelessly throughout his own life, and it explains the remarkable outpouring of love for His Holiness at the funeral mass that Laura and I were privileged to attend in Rome.”