Ambassador Glendon Says Pope-Bush Meeting a Proud Day for Americans

(Hat tip: Christopher Blosser at Benedict in America)

From Catholic News Service:

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- For the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, the meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and President George W. Bush was a proud day for Americans.

"It was wonderful to have this great world religious leader express his appreciation for so many things we take for granted," Mary Ann Glendon told Catholic News Service April 16.

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That kind of affirmation was special, she said. So was the fact that the pope and the president both seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the occasion.

Glendon noted that the speeches of the two leaders overlapped on several key issues, especially where Bush echoed some of the pope's main themes -- on the need for love, hope and respect for life.

"The president, I think, was particularly eloquent today. I think it was one of the best talks he's ever given," she said.

As for their private talks, Glendon said the topics listed in a joint statement had some priority items, especially the need to combat terrorism and prevent religion from being used to justify terrorist acts.

The statement also said the two leaders discussed "the need to confront terrorism with appropriate means that respect the human person and his or her rights."

Asked if that represented a challenge to the Bush administration's policy on treatment of terrorist suspects, Glendon noted that it was a joint statement, so both sides must have been comfortable with the language.

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Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Pope Praises U.S., Warns of Secular Challenges

Pope at White House: "God Bless America"

National Review Interviews Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon

When the Pope Meets The President

Pope Benedict's Appreciation for America's Religious Liberty

"The America of Benedict XVI, a Model for Catholic Europe"

George Weigel: Pope Unlikely to Denounce "Great Satan Bush"

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President Bush Poised to Appoint Mary Ann Glendon as U.S. Ambassador to Vatican