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President Bush Welcomes Pope Benedict XVI to White House; Supreme Court Rules to Uphold Kentucky Lethal Injection Method

Aired April 16, 2008 - 10:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Avoiding travel turbulence during this era of mergers and cancellations. Personal finance editor Gerri Willis is here today, Wednesday, April 16.
You are in the CNN NEWSROOM.

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: All right, this hour, the White House rolls out the red carpet for Pope Benedict XVI. It's the first papal visit in nearly 30 years. Hard to believe it's been that long.

CNN White House correspondent Ed Henry is there. The front of the White House, while in the back side will be yet a beautiful ceremony that will be underway. And look at how many folks, particularly of the religious community who are there. Mostly Catholics, I presume. Right, Ed?

ED HENRY, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, but there are non-Catholics as well. Obviously, the president of the United States is not Catholic. But he feels that he shares a common personal bond with this pope.

I can tell you -- I am on the north side. That's the south side of the pictures, the music that you're hearing there. But the line outside the gate on the north side here all morning has been extremely long, Catholics and non-Catholics.

You remember, Queen Elizabeth was just here a few months back and there were 7,000 people on the South Lawn. The White House originally estimated there'd be 6,000 for Pope Benedict XVI visit. Instead, we're told that it's anywhere from 9,000 to 12,000 people that will be on the South Lawn. Just a monumental group of people, obviously. So, there'll be a lot of pomp and circumstance. But there'll be some substance as well.

Obviously, after the ceremonies, after some opening remarks, the president and the pope will be going behind closed doors to speak for a little while. No one really knows exactly how long that meeting can go. As White House officials have been saying in recent days, when you are -- when you're meeting with the pope, a schedule is a suggestion. The meeting ends when he wants it end. So, they'll obviously talk about a lot of substance beyond just the pomp and circumstance, Fred.

WHITFIELD: And do you feel pretty confident, Ed, that you'll get an honest assessment of what that face-to-face meeting will be? HENRY: Well, I can tell you that anyone who thinks they can divine exactly what is said between the pope and the president is kidding themselves.

Also, when you think about the pope and what he's going to say, he's going to make some brief remarks on the South Lawn, it reminds me a little bit of when Alan Greenspan was the Federal Reserve chairman. He used to testify on Capitol Hill and had that "Greenspan speak" where he'd say something round about, you wouldn't really know what he really meant. You'd have to call Wall Street analysts to figure it out.

It's a little bit like that. The pope is going to make some comments. And we're going to be asking John Allen, our senior Vatican analyst and others to sort of decode it.

WHITFIELD: Yes.

HENRY: What was he really saying when he's talking about culture of life, he's talking about abortion. When he's talking about war and peace, he's referring to Iraq. He's not necessarily going to be too specific about these things.

Let's face it. The pope and the president share a common vision on issues like abortion as well as stem cell research. But they clearly have a divide on the death penalty but also Iraq. The Vatican has opposed the war, Fred.

WHITFIELD: Right, and you know, while we look at these live pictures -- what is underway there on this beautiful South Lawn. A second ago, we were looking at the pictures from yesterday of President Bush at Andrews Air Force Base greeting the pope, which is a first. The president doesn't ordinarily make it habit to greet and meet a head of state there in Washington. But he did in this case. What's the symbolism, what's the explanation as to why he felt he needed to do it for the pontiff?

HENRY: You're absolutely right. The White House has found no record of any previous president ever greeting a head of state at Andrews Air Force Base. There have been previous presidents to greet previous pontiffs at other airports around the United States like Bill Clinton in Denver some years back. For example, Ronald Reagan in Alaska met Pope John Paul II.

But never at Andrews Air Force Base. And I think that is very symbolic of how this president does feel a close bond with this pope. I was there in Rome last summer when they sat down together for the first time, that Benedict was serving as pope. The first time they actually got to sit down, White House officials feel that there was some personal chemistry and also, that these two leaders share sort of a common philosophy about the spread of freedom around the world.

That gives the White House an opening to try to say well, while the Vatican opposed the invasion of Iraq, they do feel in the long run it will be a good thing for Iraq to be free, for there to be free people. And the pope is also -- it should be noted very concerned about the remaining Christians in Iraq, make sure that they're safe. Concerned about the potential for many more refugees, if the U.S. pulls out quickly.

So, you know, the pope is not going to say anything too specific about withdrawal plans in Iraq. He's not a politician, obviously. But he's going to talk about these issues in a very round about way in public. I suspect that in private he can be more pointed. He is not a politician. He is the Holy Father. He can say exactly whatever he wants to the U.S. president or any other head of state.

But I suspect that where you started at the beginning, we're not going to hear too much about exactly what happened, Fred. That's going to be directly between the president and the pope.

WHITFIELD: And while anyone who may be one of the ticket holders of this 9,000 to 12,000 people right here on the South Lawn, we know they're excited. Is there any way that you can kind of gauge how the rest of Washington, the level of excitement for the rest of Washington as he and the pope mobile is expected to parade through the nation's capital and on to Catholic University and the National Shrine, et cetera?

HENRY: Well, I'm Catholic and I can tell you that some of my friends in the Washington area have been in their individual parishes participating in lotteries to get the tickets for the Nationals Park, the new baseball stadium that just opened in the last few weeks.

As you know, tomorrow, the pope will be saying mass there before he heads to New York and says mass on Sunday at Yankee Stadium in New York. He's going to be here. And I can tell you that Catholics here have been fighting for those tickets.

I can also tell you that Hispanics are obviously really one of the most important parts of why the Catholic Church is growing. Any of the growth is coming from Hispanic Catholics in America. And I've got a copy of the "Washington Hispanic" newspaper here that has a big picture of the pope saying, "Bien venido a Washington Benedicto XVI" with a big picture of the pope. Hispanic Catholics in particular, not just in Washington, but all around the United States are very, very excited.

But there are also some Catholics and non-Catholics, obviously, wondering exactly what the pontiff is going to say over these next couple of days about the sex abuse scandal. That has been very scarring for the church, not just in the United States but around the world. And also, it's had a real effect in terms of the finances of a lot of parishes. Some of them are closing some of the schools, Catholic schools have closed because they've had so many lawsuits and the like.

So, this is a very difficult subject and from the indications yesterday, this pope is planning to address the sex abuse scandal head on, Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right, Ed Henry at the White House. Thanks so much. Ed Henry on North Lawn. But of course, these pictures right here, beautiful setting with the Washington Monument in the background on the South Lawn. Now, you can get a really good scope of the 9,000 to 12,000 invited guests or at least ticket holders there to witness this part of history, the first visit of this pope, Benedict, to the U.S. making a stop here in Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, before making his way then on to New York.

We are going to have a lot of live coverage of this very ceremony taking place and all of the developments throughout the day involving Pope Benedict.

HARRIS: Boy, some live coverage coming up in just moments.

Pope Benedict, the man, the teacher, the friend. A longtime colleague shares his insights coming up in just minutes here in the NEWSROOM.

Want to take you back now to New Jersey and New Brunswick, New Jersey, right now for -- boy, the latest pictures on this devastating row home fire. And it's not just one row home we're talking about here, Fred. Just a number of row homes seemingly involved in this fire right now.

New video just in to CNN. This is a situation that we're just going to keep an eye on. No reports now of any injuries. But as you can see, it started in one home and it has just hopscotched across to other homes as well. Boy, it looks like that entire row of homes now involved in the fire and the smoke and certainly the firefighting effort.

Again, no reports of any injuries. Firefighters doing the best they can to try to contain this at this point. We will keep an eye on this and bring you additional information as we get it right here in the NEWSROOM.

Also making headlines this morning, fires out west. And some possible relief, rain and snow is in the forecast today for southeast Colorado. Firefighters are hoping the spring storm will help them battle a series of killer wildfires. At least three people are dead, thousands of acres scorched and hundreds of people evacuated. Much of Colorado is under high fire danger and the governor has declared a state of emergency in Ordway, Colorado. High winds fanned flames across miles of grassland. Two people died in that fire.

Last hour, we spoke with Crowley County sheriff's department spokeswoman, Katherine Sanguinetti in Ordway.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VOICE OF KATHERINE SANGUINETTI, ACTING PIO, CROWLEY CO. SHERIFF'S DEPT.: Currently, the Ordway fire has burned approximately 8,900 acres which equates to about 14-square miles. We have about 60 percent containment with winds 20 miles an hour.

HARRIS: OK, so 60 percent containment at this point. How many people, if you know, the latest figures, have been evacuated from that town?

SANGUINETTI: Approximately 1,200 people.

HARRIS: Twelve hundred people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: In Fort Carson, a firefighting pilot was killed when his air tanker crashed along a highway. That fire has blackened 9,000 acres across 14-square miles.

WHITFIELD: All right, with that high-fire danger imposed there, Rob Marciano keeping a close watch on things. It's windy now, expected to get even windier, making it very difficult for the firefighters on the ground there.

ROB MARCIANO, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yes, then we'll get -- hopefully, a little bit of relief from mother nature. So we got, I think, the next 12 or so hours, Fredricka, it looks pretty critical.

WHITFIELD: All right. Sorry about that, Rob.

MARCIANO: We'll toss it back to you guys, tell you the pope --

WHITFIELD: There you go. We are on the South Lawn there of the White House. Pope Benedict XVI making his way right there to those upwards of 12,000 people who have been anxiously awaiting his arrival there. He is soon to be meeting with President Bush as well -- one on one.

But first, all this beautiful pomp and circumstance with an incredible backdrop there, the White House, the Washington Monument. It's an extraordinary visit on his 81st birthday.

HARRIS: On his 81st birthday. And you know, I'm sort of looking at the schedule now, and boy -- maybe he's slightly early, but looks like he is taking a moment here to meet with folks.

What's interesting about this is that yesterday at Andrews Air Force Base, we wondered whether this pope would take an opportunity to reach out to folks who were gathered about the 5,000 or so who were invited. And actually, take a moment like he's taking here to greet with people individually and personally.

WHITFIELD: And, can you hear in the background?

HARRIS: Is it Happy Birthday?

WHITFIELD: Well, it just sounds like you hear a roar of the people and their excitement there. Folks are taking pictures. They are reaching out. That was a great moment of just touching him and he touching them.

HARRIS: And, it is wonderful -- you mention that perhaps we might get some singing here for the pope's 81st birthday. There was certainly singing yesterday at Andrews Air Force base. Folks seemingly just breaking out the minute they saw him into spontaneous song singing Happy Birthday a day early. But I suspect there might be a couple of surprises in the ceremony today.

WHITFIELD: And that looked like that was pretty spontaneous. What a moment.

HARRIS: Yes, that's terrific. That's terrific. Obviously, a full schedule -- let me keep it quiet here. I thought I heard something there. Maybe I just missed it. And Elaine Quijano is with us from the South Lawn of the White House. There was a shout out of Happy Birthday.

Elaine, good morning to you again.

The pope taking a moment that we thought he might. We thought he might yesterday. Certainly taking a spontaneous moment here to greet well-wishers there as he makes the trip to the White House. Nice moment.

WHITFIELD: And we thought, Elaine, that he was on the South Lawn at that moment, but no. He's not on the South Lawn just yet.

HARRIS: Not yet. Not yet.

WHITFIELD: Looks like he's making his way to the White House. Where is he, and what's going on?

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, I can tell you from our vantage point here it's tough to see. It's a huge crowd, as you all have been noting. There's some 9,000 people who actually have tickets. Plus 3,000 additional spectators, White House pass holders, as well as the guests they have been allowed to bring for this event.

There's certainly a sense of anticipation in the air here. We were told a short time ago to ladies and gentlemen, please silence your cell phones and pagers. So, we expect that any moment now the ceremony will begin. But this is really going to largely mirror what we have seen in other arrival ceremonies here on the South Lawn.

With some modifications, of course, to reflect the fact that the pope is not only the head of state, but also the head of the Catholic church. One of those modifications, of course, will be the singing of the Lord's Prayer by soprano Kathleen Battle. That was a decision that was made very early on in the process according to a senior Bush aide I talked to, who was very involved in the planning.

This has been months in the work. It was last fall, really, that work began in earnest, officials from the White House meeting with archdiocese officials, as well as officials from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to put this visit together. What we will be seeing here on the South Lawn, again, a little bit of a modification.

There are always the traditional reviews of military troops that happen during the ceremonies. Well, now, they've sort of adjusted things a little bit. In addition to some military personnel, there's also some representatives of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, as well as Catholic service organizations on hand due to greet the folk.

They are sort of part of the elements that will be reviewed by the dignitaries and all of this, of course, a reflection of the tremendous religious significance of this moment here at the White House. I can tell you we are jammed in like sardines here on the South Lawn. You mentioned that this is the pontiff's 81st birthday. I have to tell you, I don't think I'm giving anything away here.

It is not on the official schedule, but yesterday when we were on the north side of the White House, we heard very clearly from the South Lawn rehearsals emanating and the strings of Happy Birthday. So, I think that may be a program addition. So, you look for that to happen at some point today. It would not be surprising -- Fredricka, Tony.

HARRIS: All right, Elaine Quijano at the White House for us.

Elaine, thank you.

WHITFIELD: And as the pope is making his way there to the White House, we want to go straight down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the U.S. Supreme Court, where our producer Bill Mears, Supreme Court Producer, has learned of a major decision being made by the U.S. Supreme Court.

And -- in respect to lethal injections which potentially, of course, will have ramifications nationwide -- Bill.

BILL MEARS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Supreme Court by a seven-to-two vote has upheld Kentucky lethal injection methods. These are the protocols that are used in all 35 states where the death penalty is being applied. The issue is whether the standards to determine one of the most common methods of capital punishment would cause excruciating pain for death row inmates, therefore violating the Constitutions ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

The court has ruled though, the way that Kentucky does it is constitutional and it does not violate the eighth amendment.

WHITFIELD: OK. So, while Kentucky is not in violation according to the U.S. Supreme Court, there were other states at issue that were paying close attention to the use of lethal injection. California being one. Florida being another. How might their cases measure up?

MEARS: Well, most of the states, in fact, all 35 states that use lethal injection used a similar method to the one that was an issue here in Kentucky. So while some states may have to slightly modify the protocols, basically what the court is saying here that the way that Kentucky does it it is constitutional, and it will give a guide to all the states that have the death penalty to adopt a similar standard that's being outlined here by the Supreme Court.

The bottom line from all of this is that executions, which had been put on hold since last September, will now be able to move ahead.

WHITFIELD: And, there was an argument that these lethal injections were considered cruel and unusual punishment, the Supreme Court essentially striking down that argument. At least as it applies to the state of Kentucky.

MEARS: That's right, all those states that use the lethal injection it's basically a three chemical cocktail, they call it, that's used to administer the lethal injection. And opponents of the death penalty claim that this first drug is called sodium thiopental -- it renders the prisoner unconscious.

They said -- their claim was that it wears off too quickly, and that some prisoners might be actually awake and able to feel the pain as the procedure continues. In that sense they argue that it was cruel and unusual.

WHITFIELD: Supreme Court Producer for CNN, Bill Mears. Thanks so much, for that update on that breaking story.

HARRIS: And still to come this morning, Pope Benedict the man, the teacher, the friend, a longtime colleague shares his thoughts next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: No, no. You're right.

Sorry, just having a conversation with Father Joseph Fessio who you'll meet in just a moment. We were talking about the pictures that you're seeing here. And I suggested that the pope jumped out of the limousine to greet well-wishers.

And Father Fessio was quick to say -- no, he's 81-years-old, he probably didn't jump out of the limousine.

But this is a wonderful moment here. The North Lawn of the White House and Pope Benedict XVI greeting well-wishers. What a wonderful moment. And then the pope will get back in the limousine and make the trip to the South Lawn of the White House where the official welcoming ceremony is scheduled to get under way in about ten minutes.

Thank you, Father.

Pope Benedict, an iconic leader to the world's Catholics, a long time friend and teacher to our next guest, Reverend Joseph Fessio. He is founder and editor-in-chief of "Ignatius Press," which publishes the pope's many works.

Great to have you with us --

REV. JOSEPH FESSIO, S.J., FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, IGNATIUS PRESS: Good to be here, Tony.

HARRIS: Great to have you with us during our coverage of the pope's visit here, an historic visit to the United States.

I have to ask you -- maybe we'll show some pictures from yesterday and -- well let's go to the live pictures. How great an occasion is this today? First of all, the pope arriving at Andrews Air Force Base. As you see the vice president and Lynne Cheney taking their seats. I think that -- that's House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well.

What are your thoughts on this clearly wonderful occasion?

FESSIO: Well, I'm excited. I think most people are.

HARRIS: Yes.

FESSIO: But the importance here is not that he is going to say something completely and totally new because he represents Christ and the church; he represents a tradition. But the point is, most people don't know this man, haven't seen him, haven't heard him. Because he's coming here, it is exciting. And so we can be sure there will be a lot of people listening and watching. And I'm happy about that.

HARRIS: Well, what do you know? How do you know this man to be? You studied under him, and you mentioned that for a lot of Catholics, and a lot of non-Catholics, this is an opportunity to get to know this pope. And -- what will we come to know of him?

FESSIO: Tony, one of the great sources of joy for those of us who were his students or co-workers over the years was when he was elected pope, we realized now the world will know what he is really like. And the fact is we all know he is deeply intelligent. But he's warm, he listens, he's gracious, he's cordial, and he speaks clearly.

But as your correspondent John Allen said, he doesn't speak in sound bites. He speaks in well rounded paragraphs. So I think people are going to find out, here is a man that really represents Christ to us.

HARRIS: So how do you think, given the enormous stature of John Paul II -- how do you believe this new pope, and his approach to his papacy and some of the dynamics of his personality, which you have just outlined -- how do you think this pope will play in America?

FESSIO: Tony, there are two great popes we've had in a row, there's no question about that. And they've got different personalities. But it has been a fact so far that more people come to listen to Benedict at St. Peter's Square than came to look at John Paul II during his papacy.

HARRIS: Really?

FESSIO: That's right.

People are drawn to him because he speaks the truth of the beauty and the charity to it. It's sort of -- his first encyclical -- what's it about? Love; and not just love charity, but love eros. That's amazing.

HARRIS: Yes, yes.

Take a look at some of these pictures with us and describe some of these moments captured in these still photographs.

FESSIO: Oh, yes. That was -- that was at "Ignatius Press" in 1999 when he came to visit us.

HARRIS: What was it like to study under him?

FESSIO: Well, everybody knows now, he's a great teacher. He speaks very clearly; he speaks with great profundity. So you always learn something new. In fact, I can say this, I've never heard him speak or give a presentation and didn't learn something new.

HARRIS: I have to ask you, the overarching theme of this trip for the pope is: "Christ our Hope."

Explain that message, that theme, and what it will mean intrinsically for Catholics, and perhaps non-Catholics, as well.

FESSIO: Well, the Holy Father knows, as we all know, that life is full of sorrow and trouble and difficulties --

HARRIS: And suffering, sure.

FESSIO: It is not always bright and rosy. And he wants to show that it is hopeful. It's not a time for sadness. It's time for hope. Why? Based on Christ, based on God's revelation to us. By the way, his encyclical, "Saved in Hope," outlines this in much greater detail.

HARRIS: OK. Father Fessio we're going to have you with us for a while. And we appreciate, again, you being here with us. When we get another opportunity to speak with you, let's talk about the message. Let's talk about, if you would, put us in the room with this pope and the president --

FESSIO: Sure.

HARRIS: -- and how much candor will this pope speak with when he's discussing some pretty pertinent issues of the day with the president. Let's talk about that when we get a few more moments with you, in just a few.

FESSIO: Sure, Tony.

HARRIS: Thanks.

WHITFIELD: All right. Well, what's taking place here? We've got up to 12,000 people here on the South Lawn. Father James Martin is with us now. He is a New York based Jesuit priest and the author of several books. He's also the editor of "America" magazine.

Well we'll be up -- OK, there you are.

I was going to say, we can't see you but at least we can hear you.

Good to see you.

REV. JAMES MARTIN, AUTHOR, "MY LIFE WITH THE SAINTS": Nice to see you.

WHITFIELD: All right. Well let's talk about whether Pope Benedict -- are we looking at -- kind of a pope of an old fashioned manner, or is he kind of one of modernity?

MARTIN: Well I think he's both. I think he's someone who is rooted in the tradition of the truth of the church, but who also understands modernity very well. This is a -- as Father Fessio was saying -- a brilliant man, an accomplished scholar and someone who is very good at translating the church's basic message to the modern world.

WHITFIELD: What do you want Americans to know about him? Because this really is a pope that we, as a whole, are just getting to know. People felt like they really knew Pope John Paul II well. But he's still new to us, isn't he?

MARTIN: He is very new. And I think for a lot of people who only knew John Paul, he's sort of an unknown quantity. But for people in the church who have known him, they know that he is a man of deep faith and a man of deep learning and a man who is brilliant at explicating both of those things.

WHITFIELD: He doesn't have the kind of rock star status that Pope John Paul had. But, we just saw and witnessed a moment ago where it seemed like he was with some Catholic school students. And they were in awe and enamored by him. He touched them; he took the time to have some real dialogue with him.

That was kind of an ice breaking moment, wasn't it?

MARTIN: Well, I think so. And, remember, he is also considerably older than John Paul was when John Paul was elected at age 58. So he's an 81-year-old man today. And he is a little, I think, a little more scholarly. Remember, John Paul was an actor and Benedict is a primarily a teacher and a professor. So it's just a different kind of personality.

WHITFIELD: Yes and we've heard him be described as more the librarian type, you know. And he's shy, but he isn't really that reticent when it comes down to talking about some fiery issues. Whether it is the sex scandal here in this country, whether it is his position on American Catholics' position on abortion as a whole, and even on immigration.

MARTIN: Not at all. I think that event yesterday, aboard the papal plane, aboard Shepherd One, showed that he's ready to tackle these big issues. And this is not a man to shy away from difficult topics. He will attack them head-on.

WHITFIELD: Father James Martin, thanks so much.

Of course we're going to be talking about this at great length today because this really is just the beginning of an extraordinary moment -- an extraordinary moment in history for this president and for the pontiff as a whole. HARRIS: Yes.

As -- the pope is about to exit that limousine and be welcomed. Look at this shot. To be welcomed by the president and first lady.

Let's listen to the crowd.

(CHEERS & APPLAUSE)

HARRIS: The pope will now get an opportunity to meet and visit briefly with the vice president and Mrs. Cheney, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Mr. Pelosi. Secretary of State Rice is -- I believe -- also on hand.

There she is. There she is . There she is.

WHITFIELD: She's the one to get the handshake.

HARRIS: There you go, and another wonderful moment.

WHITFIELD: And there is Nancy Pelosi.

HARRIS: Yes.

WHITFIELD: And there the vice president, as well. Just continuing to go down the line -- you really are considered one of the lucky ones.

Clearly, if you are a member of the Cabinet, you know you will get a spot there. But some 9,000 to 12,000 people who anxiously awaited this moment, to be able to witness this firsthand.

HARRIS: And right now, let's check back with CNN's senior Vatican analyst, John Allen.

John, good to talk to you again. You know, let's sort of focus in for just a moment as we take a look at the pope and the president on, again, the overarching mission of -- that the pope would like to get accomplished. I know he's going to be talking to educators later in the day here. This idea of encouraging teaching, correcting when necessary, informing -- the idea of informing the Catholic identity on this trip.

JOHN ALLEN, CNN SENIOR VATICAN ANALYST: Yes, Tony.

That's his sort of his intra-Catholic message, a kind of strong sense to -- a strong call to traditional Catholic identity, this sense of what makes us different from the rest of the world and sort of prevents Catholics from being sort of seduced by secularism. But that's not what he is going to be about here this morning.

This session with President Bush is more his message directed to the whole American public, Catholic or not. And I think here, probably, what we're going to hear the pope talk about particularly is the role of religion and the role of moral values in the life of a democracy. I think he wants to argue that in order to remain healthy democracy needs to be informed by values, and that in the United States, those values come from the role of churches and the role of religious groups. So he is going to affirm that strong sense of the public role of religion in American life.

HARRIS: That's very interesting. And I wonder, beyond this statement, which we will clearly be listening, and the other point to mention here, I just -- another thought just crept into my mind. The remarks that we will hear from the pope, you made a point of mentioning to us last week that unlike other popes, this pope writes every word. So every word uttered by the pope will have been penned by this man himself.

ALLEN: Yes, Tony, that's absolutely right. I mean, this is not one of those public figures who is reading a text that has been prepared by a committee. Benedict XVI understands himself very much to be a teaching pope.

He takes the teaching dimension of his job extraordinarily seriously, and so he will have spent hours alone in a study, you know, surrounded by his books and his papers, thinking very carefully about every word he wants to say over the course of this trip. So when you hear him speak, this is not simply some boiler plate from the Vatican; this is very much the mind, the heart and the soul of Benedict XVI on public display.

HARRIS: I'm just curious -- does he consult with others, Or is he -- is it strictly his counsel, his own counsel?

ALLEN: Well, the way it works is that he'll usually have conversations with people before the fact, that is before he sits down to work. But when it comes down -- when it comes time to prepare a text, it's very much Benedict XVI in person, in his own hand putting that document together.

HARRIS: OK, John Allen with us. John, if you would, stand by for just a moment for the national anthem.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

(SINGING)

WHITFIELD: What with a great birthday gathering here for the pope, 81st birthday. Now we're about to hear from Kathleen Battle.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Holy Father, Laura and I are privileged to have you here at the White House. We welcome you with the ancient words commended by St. Augustine: Pax tecum -- peace be with you.

You've chosen to visit America on your birthday. Well, birthdays are traditionally spent with close friends, so our entire nation is moved and honored that you have decided to share this special day with us. We wish you much health and happiness today and for many years to come. (APPLAUSE)

This is your first trip to the United States since you ascended to the chair of St. Peter. You will visit two of our greatest cities and meet countless Americans, including many who have traveled from across the country to see with you and to share in the joy of this visit.

Here in America you'll find a nation of prayer. Each day, millions of our citizens approach our maker on bended knee, seeking his grace and giving thanks for the many blessings he bestows upon us.

Millions of Americans have been praying for your visit. And millions look forward to praying with you this week.

Here in America you'll find a nation of compassion. Americans believe that the measure of a free society is how we treat the weakest and most vulnerable among us. So each day citizens across America answer the universal call to feed the hungry and comfort the sick and care for the infirm.

Each day, across the world, the United States is working to eradicate disease, alleviate poverty, promote peace and bring the light of hope to places still mired in the darkness of tyranny and despair.

Here in America, you'll find a nation that welcomes the role of faith in the public square. When our founders declared our nation's independence, they rested their case on an appeal to the laws of nature and of nature's god.

We believe in religious liberty. We also believe that a love for freedom and a common moral law are written into every human heart, and that these constitute the firm foundation on which any successful free society must be built.

Here in America, you'll find a nation that is fully modern, yet guided by ancient and eternal truths. The United States is the most innovative, creative and dynamic country on Earth. It is also among the most religious.

In our nation, faith and reason coexist in harmony. This is one of our country's greatest strengths and one of the reasons that our land remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for millions across the world.

Most of all, Holy Father, you will find in America people whose hearts are open to your message of hope. And America and the world need this message. In a world where some invoke the name of God to justify acts of terror and murder and hate, we need your message that God is love. And embracing this love is the surest way to save men from falling prey to the teaching of fanaticism and terrorism.

In a world where some treat life as something to be debased and discarded, we need your message that all human life is sacred and that each of us is willed... (APPLAUSE)

... each of us is loved.

(APPLAUSE)

And your message that each of us is willed, each of us is loved, and each of us is necessary. In a world where some no longer believe that we can distinguish between simple right and wrong, we need your message to reject this dictatorship of relativism and embrace a culture of justice and truth.

(APPLAUSE)

In a world where some see freedom as simply the right to do as they wish, we need your message that true liberty requires us to live our freedom not just for ourselves, but in a spirit of mutual support.

Holy Father, thank you for making this journey to America. Our nation welcomes you. We appreciate the example you set for the world. And we ask that you always keep us in your prayers.

(APPLAUSE)

POPE BENEDICT XVI: Mr. President, thank you for your gracious words of welcome on behalf of the people of the United States of America.

I deeply appreciate your invitation to visit this great country. My visit coincides with an important moment in the life of the Catholic community in America, the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the elevation of the country's first diocese, Baltimore, to a metropolitan archdiocese and the establishment of the dioceses of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Louisville.

Yet I am happy to be here as a guest of all Americans. I come as a friend, a preacher of the Gospel, and one with great respect for this vast, pluralistic society. America's Catholics have made and continue to make an excellent contribution to the life of their country.

As I begin my visit I trust that my presence will be a source of renewal and hope for the church in the United States and strengthens the resolve of Catholics to contribute even more responsibly to the life of this nation of which they are proud to be citizens.

From the dawn of the republic, America's quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator.

The framers of this nation's founding documents drew upon this conviction when they proclaimed the self-evident truth that all men are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights grounded in the laws of nature and of nature's god. The calls (ph) of America's history demonstrate the difficulties, the struggles and the great intellectual and moral resolve which were demanded to shape a society which faithfully embodied these novel principles. In this process, which forces (ph) all of the nation, religious beliefs were a constant inspiration and driving force, as, for example, in the struggle against slavery and in the civil rights movement.

In our time, too, particularly in moments of crisis, Americans continue to find their strength in a commitment to this patrimony of shared ideas and inspirations.

In the next few days, I look forward to meeting not only with America's Catholic community but with other Christian communities and representatives of the many religious traditions present in this country.

Historically, not only Catholics, but all believers have found here the freedom to worship God in accordance with the dictates of their conscience, while at the same time being accepted as part of a commonwealth in which each individual and group can make its voice heard.

As the nation faces increasingly complex political and ethical issues of our time, I'm confident that the American people will find in their religious beliefs a precious source of insight and an inspiration to pursue reasoned, responsible and respectful dialogue in the effort to build a more human and free society.

Freedom is not only a gift but also a summons to personal responsibility. Americans know this from experience. Almost every town in this country has its monuments honoring those who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom, both at home and abroad. The preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self- discipline, sacrifice for the common good, and a sense of responsibility toward the less fortunate.

It also demands the courage to engage in civic life and to bring one's deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate. In a word, freedom is ever new. It is a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be (INAUDIBLE) for the cause of good.

Few have understood this as clearly as the late Pope John Paul II. In reflecting on the spiritual victory of freedom over totalitarianism in his native Poland and in Eastern Europe, he reminded us that history shows time and again: "that in a world without truth, freedom loses its foundation, and a democracy without values can lose its very soul."

These prophetic words in some sense echo the conviction of President Washington expressed in his farewell address: "Religion and morality represent indispensable supports of political prosperity."

The church, for her part, wishes to contribute to building a world in the model (ph) human person created in the image and likeness of God. She's convinced that faith sheds new light on all things and that the Gospel reveals (INAUDIBLE) destiny (ph) of every men and women. Faith also gives us the strength to respond to our high calling and the hope that inspires us to work for an ever more just and fraternal society.

Democracy can only flourish, as your founding fathers realized, when political leaders and those whom they represent are guided by truth and bring the wisdom born of firm moral principle to decisions affecting the life and future of the nation.

For over a century, the United States of America has played an important role in the international community. On Friday, God willing, I will have the honor of addressing the United Nations organization, where I hope to anchor their efforts under way to make that institution an ever more effective voice for the legitimate aspirations of all the world's peoples.

On this, the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the need for global solidarity is as urgent as ever, if all people are to live in a way worthy of their dignity as brothers and sisters, dwelling in the same house and around the set table which God's bounty has set for all his children.

America has traditionally shown herself generous in meeting immediate human needs, fostering development, and offering relief to the victims of natural catastrophes. I am confident that this concern for the greater human family will continue to find expression (ph) and support for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress.

In this way, coming generations will be able to live in a world where truth, freedom and justice can flourish, a world where the God- given dignity and the rights of every man, woman and child are cherished, protected and effectively advanced.

Mr. President, dear friends, as I begin my visit to the United States, I express once more my gratitude for invitation, my joy to be in your midst, and my fervent prayers that Almighty God will confirm this nation and this people in the ways of justice, prosperity and peace.

God bless America.

(APPLAUSE)

(MUSIC PLAYING)

WHITFIELD: What an extraordinary moment on the South Lawn of the White House, rolling out the nation's best, the Army chorus. Earlier the 21-gun salute, soprano Kathleen Battle. And all of this with the poignant remarks by the pope and the president, seemingly with a message in concert.

HARRIS: What a terrific message from -- yes, you're absolutely right, as I think back on it. His Holiness talking much about freedom this morning, freedom not only a gift but a personal responsibility, freedom a challenge to each generation.

Much more to come with the pope and this president. We understand now that the president and his holiness will have an opportunity for a bit of a photo-op along with the first lady as well. They are making their way now to the center columns of the blue room balcony where there will be an opportunity there for a photo. And there you go. As if on cue. That's terrific.

WHITFIELD: That's great.

And then, of course, a private moment...

HARRIS: That's right.

WHITFIELD: ... between the two here. You know, if only to be a fly on the wall, to see what the dialogue would be between the pontiff and the president there when they meet behind closed doors.

HARRIS: Yes, we will get an indication of just how forthright the pope will be from gentlemen who know him. And one, Father Fessio, who is with us here in Atlanta, who studied under this pope. So we will at least get an indication of just how forthright and frank this pope can be in just a couple of moments. That final flourish as we reach the 11:00 a.m. Eastern hour.