Washington D.C., Apr 19, 2008 / 00:42 am
President George W. Bush on Friday morning addressed the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, speaking about his pro-life actions in office, the importance of the Catholic school system, and his common ground with Pope Benedict XVI in advancing interreligious dialogue and religious freedom around the world.
The president told the crowd that he had “finally begun to understand the story of the calm and the rough seas.”
President Bush said the papal visit had lifted the spirit of the week. “This has been a joyous week. It's been a joyous time for Catholics - and it wasn't such a bad week for Methodists, either,” said the president, a Methodist. "The excitement was just palpable. The streets were lined with people that were so thrilled that the Holy Father was here.''
"One of the blessings of being the president,” Bush said, “is I get to see firsthand how people are motivated by the fundamental truths articulated by the Holy Father… I've watched you live out the Gospel through countless acts of compassion and courage. I've joined with you in striving to heed the Scriptures' noble calling: to see God's image in all mankind, and to uphold the dignity of each human being on Earth.”