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CNN Live Today

A Discussion with Roger Mahony, the Archbishop of Los Angeles; Traffic Stopper

Aired April 22, 2005 - 11:32   ET

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

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


CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: No doubt tornado season is here. You saw that right at the top of the hour. CNN.com is your place to click for information on these deadly storms.
Here's dot-com correspondent Veronica De La Cruz.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Tornadoes have long captured people's imagination and spawned some of their worst fears. How common and how destructive are they? Where do they most often occur? At cnn.com, a special report, tornadoes start as offshoots of thunderstorms, but can be devastating forces in their own right. Carving a path of destruction many miles long and in excess of a mile wide.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: A tornado is basically a violently rotating column of air that extends from the clouds down to the ground. When they touchdown, depending on their size and strength, they can level virtually everything in its path.

And how much do you know when it comes to these violent natural occurrences. This interactive offer possible indicators of whether a tornado is approaching, details the different between a watch and more severe warnings and gives you tips on what you can do if a twister comes your way.

Residents of what's known as Tornado Alley, shown here on this interactive map, stretching across the central U.S., are more likely than most to face this dilemma. Those tornadoes that touch down, some with winds exceeding 250 miles per hour, can inflict significant damage. You can look at the 10 deadliest twisters in the U.S. in this gallery.

Since the 19th century, surveys have included reports of tornadoes moving houses, completely unharmed, feet from their original locations. Which stories are true, and which ones are legends? Click through this interactive gallery for some answers. For example, tornadoes seek out mobile homes. Fact or fiction? Or tornadoes always rotate counterclockwise. You can log on and find out. You can also get your current forecast or sign up from the severe weather alerts.

From the dot-com newsdesk in Atlanta, I'm Veronica De La Cruz.

(END VIDEOTAPE) LIN: Now for latest on the new pope. Pope Benedict XVI held his first working session with the College of Cardinals today. Benedict he thanked the cardinals for their faith in electing him the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Today's meeting is one of a series of events for the new pope, climaxing with Sunday's inauguration in St. Peter's Square.

Now Cardinal Roger Mahony, the archbishop of Los Angeles, attended today's meeting with the pope. And I talked with Cardinal Mahony from Vatican City a short time ago.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CARDINAL ROGER MAHONY, ARCHBISHOP OF LOS ANGELES: He looked tremendous. He was beaming, very great smile. And thanked us for our prayers and asked us for our support. And also he's very anxious to consult with us, to hear our opinion and to have us involved more and more with him in his new role.

LIN: In an interview that he gave, one of his very rare interviews with a journalist, but in particular -- this particular Christian journalist, he gave an interview in English, where he was specifically what he thought the root causes of the sexual-abuse scandal was. And what he specifically said was that too many masters teaching in too many ways, that the moral teachings of the church were not so clear in the last 40 to 50 years. What do you think he meant by that? And how do you think that's going to change what happens on the local level and the relationship that you will have, for example, with the Vatican?

MAHONY: Well, I think that's one aspect on of the difficulty. But another, and I think maybe even more important, was the lack of good screening of applicants years ago, decades ago. I think that has changed dramatically. I think our teachings in the seminary, our preparation for men to live a celibate life is far superior.

I remember in my time in the seminary, we had practically nothing on this. But now the seminarians receive many seminars, courses, talks discussions groups. They really are helped to move forward.

So I think a lot has been done, because look back at the last few years, we're looking at cases that go back decades, not currently. So I think we're doing a lot to curb the problem.

LIN: Many have analyzed the appointments of this particular pope. And because of his close, close relationship with the Pope John Paul II that this appointment was seen as really an extension of the previous papacy. Do you see that Pope Benedict is going to make his own mark, and if so, what do you think will that be?

MAHONY: Well, certainly Pope Benedict is going to maintain the tradition of the church. I don't see him changing that tradition at all. But I think he's going to be able to speak to people. He's a brilliant intellectual. He has read everything on all of these issues, in all the languages. He really I think is going to be able to communicate what it is it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and what some of the tough challenges are to be a faithful disciple. I think he's going to enter into dialogue with people on these issues.

LIN: Cardinal, in his meetings with the College of the Cardinals, he has said to journalists, he has admitted that there is a schism in the Catholic Church in that sense, between the modern-day Catholic, particularly here in America, and the Catholicism that has been supported in the past by the Vatican. So has he talked to about how he is going to be able to address some of these issues and how soon?

MAHONY: Well, I don't think he sees it quite that way, because he is in admiration at the way the church in the United States has helped form lay-people, the great collaboration of lay-people and all of the ministries of our churches, our parishes. He has been -- he has seen that we have churches full of people. I think he sees his greater challenge is of the old Europe, where there's no one's going to church, and there's practically no participation. So I think he sees the United States as a good beacon of hope. I don't think he sees it negatively at all.

LIN: Cardinal Mahony, a pleasure to have you. Thank you very much.

MAHONY: Thank you.

LIN: An exciting weekend ahead.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIN: In the meantime, right here in United States, the faithful say an image of the Virgin Mary has appeared in Chicago. And it is a real traffic stopper. The image is on an expressway underpass.

CNN's Chris Lawrence is Chicago this morning.

Chris, does it really look like the Virgin Mary?

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It depends who you ask, Carol. You know, it really depends on who you ask.

We're standing underneath one of the busiest highways here in Chicago, and you can see the shrine here has just been growing by the day.

And although the image doesn't look like much from here, when you look at it on camera and you take a picture of it, you can see -- if you look at the lower left-hand corner of the screen, you can see that image, that picture of the Virgin Mary, embracing Pope John Paul II.

You can see how people would compare it to the image that's appeared here on this wall. And you can a little bit make out what a lot of people say they see, a veil. They can say -- they say that they see eyes. They see the hands clasped, and they say the image is much more discernible when they can take a picture of it and look at it. And again, as we look around here, you can see just the amount of candles and flowers, pictures of loved ones that people have been leaving here over the past few days. There's just been a tremendous response to this. A lot of people have been coming from around the city, around the suburbs and for a lot of different reasons. Some people have brought their loved ones who are sick, saying they've been offering prayers to what they feel is the image of the Virgin Mary.

Lee (ph), you came out from out -- one of the suburbs?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Torrington, Illinois, right.

LAWRENCE: Yes, what brought you out here?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We really wanted to see if there was something here. And of course we do feel -- my wife and Joan came actually to see if there is presence. And you can definitely feel like there is something here and I think we're all looking for the goodness. And with the pope dying and you're looking at all the trouble in the world, you are looking for something good. And I think this is something that's good. Obviously, you can see by all of the people, we're looking for goodness in the world, and if this brings it to us, I'm happy.

LAWRENCE: OK. And also we ran into Aria (ph) here. Aria, you also came out to see this. What was your first impression?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can't think if there was a first impression. I guess after you're here a little while you have a sense of community. And that sense of community feels quite beautiful.

LAWRENCE: Thank you very much. You know, this is one of the things where it doesn't really matter what other people believe. Some people will look at this and say, well that's just ridiculous, that's it's just a stain on the wall. Other people will look at it and truly see the image of the Virgin Mary. You're probably not going to convince someone to change their mind, and Carol, there's really nothing wrong with that.

LIN: No, not at all. That's part of having faith. Thanks very much. Chris Lawrence.

(MUSIC)

Are you a U2 fan? Stick around, because we're going to talk to somebody who knows Bono and band's likes and dislikes and hobbies, all of it. That's coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: We have just learned that a British shoe bomb co- conspirator has been sentenced by a British judge to 13 years. Saajid Badat may have actually backed out of the alleged plot with the shoe bomber Richard Reid, who had been subdued by passengers when he tried to detonate a bomb on board an American Airlines jet back in 2001, but a judge has decided that he is going the get 13 years in prison for that. It's the first major conviction for a terrorist plot in Britain since the 9/11 attacks. We'll keep you posted. In the meantime, let's find out what's coming up at the top of the hour on "NEWS FROM CNN." Wolf Blitzer, standing by in Washington with a preview on that. Morning, Wolf.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Carol, thanks very much. We're working on a number of stories. With the violence of late in Iraq, there are growing concerns about insurgents. Are they getting bolder? The shoot-down of a civilian helicopter is raising some new questions. We'll take a closer look.

Also, we'll look at these incredible pictures. Check this out. From Kansas, a powerful tornado captured on tape. Coming up, we're going to take with a storm chaser who shot the pictures. Also, that same region of the country is under a severe weather watch today. Our meteorologist Orelon Sidney is tracking the storms for us. She'll have an update.

Watch for those stories, lots more, at the top of the hour on "NEWS FROM CNN." In the meantime, back to Carol.

LIN: Thanks, Wolf. We'll be tuning in.

In fact, a lot of those killer tornadoes disrupting the president's plans today for Earth Day. It is Earth Day and we are going to take a look at what's happening around the country. Be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: Today is Earth Day and a number of events are actually on the calendar. On Capitol Hill, the world's largest Baked Alaska was created this morning, using Ben & Jerry's Fossil Fuel ice cream. It's a publicity stunt to protest oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. That drilling was recently passed by the House of Representatives in a new energy bill, by the way. Senate Democrats threaten to filibuster if the provision is not removed from the bill.

And President Bush had planned to mark the day with an event, I think it's called Cave Cove, in the great Smoky Mountains National Park. But it was canceled due to weather. Ironically, the park is ranked as the most polluted in the national park system.

The annual Gallup survey finds Americans also are increasingly pessimistic about the environment. About half regard current environmental conditions as negative.

The poll reveals that Social Security has surged ahead, though, as the top long-term concern among Americans. And worries about the environment rank a distant third. This on Earth Day.

More news still ahead. Business update next, in fact.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT) LIN: All right, we've got some severe weather crawling across the Midwest, heading to the Southeast and the Northeast. A live picture here, where we are tracking a major thunderstorm. Yes, you just saw lightning. There you go. Serious situation in Huntsville, Alabama.

Orelon Sidney has been reporting in from the CNN Weather Center, saying that there have been nearly 200 reports of hail, some the size of softballs. So far, no more tornadic activity yet, but about half a dozen tornadoes in the state of Kansas were destroying homes and shutting down an international airport. We're going have more at the top of the hour.

In meantime, here's how he describes himself, cigar smoking, wine drinking, bible reading bandman. Oh, showoff, too. Bono's voice in political activism are unmistakable after three decades as the frontman for the Irish rockers U2. The band's latest CD "Vertigo" is driving their 2005 world tour. And they're going to play in Seattle this weekend. Bono reflects on his remarkable life in the new book, "Bono, Conversations with Michka Assayas."

He joins me now from Paris to talk more about his friend Bono. Friend, because he managed to spend five days I think in the south of France actually picking apart the book together. He's virtually your coauthor in this, Michka.

MICHKA ASSAYAS, AUTHOR, "BONO": Yes, I think it's very original situation that happened here. I think we have worked as a pair of screenwriters. It's the first time ever, I think, Bono has become associated with a book instead of being written about.

LIN: Quickly tell me about that scenario unfolded. I mean, you'd actually written the manuscript, right? And then suddenly you get a phone call from the man. And then tell me what happened next quickly.

ASSAYAS: Yes. Well, the amazing thing was the very date the book was due to go to printer, I got a phone call from Bono, saying I have read the manuscript, I think you made a great job, but you know, there are little bits here and there, I think which -- we could do it better, so I'm going to make you a tantalizing offer. You know I've got some work to do with the south of France, so why don't you come and join me here? We'll spend an afternoon reading through it, celebrating. I'll take you out to a great restaurant, and then you know, you can send it to a publisher. But -- and actually what happened, is that I had stayed there for five days and five nights. I only had one toothbrush. No change. So, you know, he kept on throwing new lines -- and when I'm came back to Paris, I was -- yes?

LIN: Michka, tell me the one, the biggest...

(CROSSTALK)

LIN: I got to ask you this because we're running out of time. What is -- if you could tell one thing about Bono that they didn't know, what would it be? ASSAYAS: One thing -- well, that this guy is his worst enemy, you know, the biggest critic of Bono is Bono himself, and he's very, very, very funny guy.

LIN: And his biggest criticism of himself would be?

ASSAYAS: The biggest critic of whom?

LIN: What the worst thing he had to say about himself?

ASSAYAS: The worst thing he has to say about himself, that he's totally unpredictable. In his -- the -- what's his words? It's I'm the most reliable -- unreliable of friends, you know, and very faithful friend, but completely unreliable.

LIN: All right, "Bono: Conversations With Michka Assayas." Thank you so much for joining us. Good luck with the book.

All right, the ever so reliable Wolf Blitzer standing by up in Washington.

I'm Carol Lin. You have a great weekend.

Wolf, we're handing off a lot of news to you this morning.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired April 22, 2005 - 11:32   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: No doubt tornado season is here. You saw that right at the top of the hour. CNN.com is your place to click for information on these deadly storms.
Here's dot-com correspondent Veronica De La Cruz.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): Tornadoes have long captured people's imagination and spawned some of their worst fears. How common and how destructive are they? Where do they most often occur? At cnn.com, a special report, tornadoes start as offshoots of thunderstorms, but can be devastating forces in their own right. Carving a path of destruction many miles long and in excess of a mile wide.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: A tornado is basically a violently rotating column of air that extends from the clouds down to the ground. When they touchdown, depending on their size and strength, they can level virtually everything in its path.

And how much do you know when it comes to these violent natural occurrences. This interactive offer possible indicators of whether a tornado is approaching, details the different between a watch and more severe warnings and gives you tips on what you can do if a twister comes your way.

Residents of what's known as Tornado Alley, shown here on this interactive map, stretching across the central U.S., are more likely than most to face this dilemma. Those tornadoes that touch down, some with winds exceeding 250 miles per hour, can inflict significant damage. You can look at the 10 deadliest twisters in the U.S. in this gallery.

Since the 19th century, surveys have included reports of tornadoes moving houses, completely unharmed, feet from their original locations. Which stories are true, and which ones are legends? Click through this interactive gallery for some answers. For example, tornadoes seek out mobile homes. Fact or fiction? Or tornadoes always rotate counterclockwise. You can log on and find out. You can also get your current forecast or sign up from the severe weather alerts.

From the dot-com newsdesk in Atlanta, I'm Veronica De La Cruz.

(END VIDEOTAPE) LIN: Now for latest on the new pope. Pope Benedict XVI held his first working session with the College of Cardinals today. Benedict he thanked the cardinals for their faith in electing him the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Today's meeting is one of a series of events for the new pope, climaxing with Sunday's inauguration in St. Peter's Square.

Now Cardinal Roger Mahony, the archbishop of Los Angeles, attended today's meeting with the pope. And I talked with Cardinal Mahony from Vatican City a short time ago.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CARDINAL ROGER MAHONY, ARCHBISHOP OF LOS ANGELES: He looked tremendous. He was beaming, very great smile. And thanked us for our prayers and asked us for our support. And also he's very anxious to consult with us, to hear our opinion and to have us involved more and more with him in his new role.

LIN: In an interview that he gave, one of his very rare interviews with a journalist, but in particular -- this particular Christian journalist, he gave an interview in English, where he was specifically what he thought the root causes of the sexual-abuse scandal was. And what he specifically said was that too many masters teaching in too many ways, that the moral teachings of the church were not so clear in the last 40 to 50 years. What do you think he meant by that? And how do you think that's going to change what happens on the local level and the relationship that you will have, for example, with the Vatican?

MAHONY: Well, I think that's one aspect on of the difficulty. But another, and I think maybe even more important, was the lack of good screening of applicants years ago, decades ago. I think that has changed dramatically. I think our teachings in the seminary, our preparation for men to live a celibate life is far superior.

I remember in my time in the seminary, we had practically nothing on this. But now the seminarians receive many seminars, courses, talks discussions groups. They really are helped to move forward.

So I think a lot has been done, because look back at the last few years, we're looking at cases that go back decades, not currently. So I think we're doing a lot to curb the problem.

LIN: Many have analyzed the appointments of this particular pope. And because of his close, close relationship with the Pope John Paul II that this appointment was seen as really an extension of the previous papacy. Do you see that Pope Benedict is going to make his own mark, and if so, what do you think will that be?

MAHONY: Well, certainly Pope Benedict is going to maintain the tradition of the church. I don't see him changing that tradition at all. But I think he's going to be able to speak to people. He's a brilliant intellectual. He has read everything on all of these issues, in all the languages. He really I think is going to be able to communicate what it is it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and what some of the tough challenges are to be a faithful disciple. I think he's going to enter into dialogue with people on these issues.

LIN: Cardinal, in his meetings with the College of the Cardinals, he has said to journalists, he has admitted that there is a schism in the Catholic Church in that sense, between the modern-day Catholic, particularly here in America, and the Catholicism that has been supported in the past by the Vatican. So has he talked to about how he is going to be able to address some of these issues and how soon?

MAHONY: Well, I don't think he sees it quite that way, because he is in admiration at the way the church in the United States has helped form lay-people, the great collaboration of lay-people and all of the ministries of our churches, our parishes. He has been -- he has seen that we have churches full of people. I think he sees his greater challenge is of the old Europe, where there's no one's going to church, and there's practically no participation. So I think he sees the United States as a good beacon of hope. I don't think he sees it negatively at all.

LIN: Cardinal Mahony, a pleasure to have you. Thank you very much.

MAHONY: Thank you.

LIN: An exciting weekend ahead.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIN: In the meantime, right here in United States, the faithful say an image of the Virgin Mary has appeared in Chicago. And it is a real traffic stopper. The image is on an expressway underpass.

CNN's Chris Lawrence is Chicago this morning.

Chris, does it really look like the Virgin Mary?

CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It depends who you ask, Carol. You know, it really depends on who you ask.

We're standing underneath one of the busiest highways here in Chicago, and you can see the shrine here has just been growing by the day.

And although the image doesn't look like much from here, when you look at it on camera and you take a picture of it, you can see -- if you look at the lower left-hand corner of the screen, you can see that image, that picture of the Virgin Mary, embracing Pope John Paul II.

You can see how people would compare it to the image that's appeared here on this wall. And you can a little bit make out what a lot of people say they see, a veil. They can say -- they say that they see eyes. They see the hands clasped, and they say the image is much more discernible when they can take a picture of it and look at it. And again, as we look around here, you can see just the amount of candles and flowers, pictures of loved ones that people have been leaving here over the past few days. There's just been a tremendous response to this. A lot of people have been coming from around the city, around the suburbs and for a lot of different reasons. Some people have brought their loved ones who are sick, saying they've been offering prayers to what they feel is the image of the Virgin Mary.

Lee (ph), you came out from out -- one of the suburbs?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Torrington, Illinois, right.

LAWRENCE: Yes, what brought you out here?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We really wanted to see if there was something here. And of course we do feel -- my wife and Joan came actually to see if there is presence. And you can definitely feel like there is something here and I think we're all looking for the goodness. And with the pope dying and you're looking at all the trouble in the world, you are looking for something good. And I think this is something that's good. Obviously, you can see by all of the people, we're looking for goodness in the world, and if this brings it to us, I'm happy.

LAWRENCE: OK. And also we ran into Aria (ph) here. Aria, you also came out to see this. What was your first impression?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can't think if there was a first impression. I guess after you're here a little while you have a sense of community. And that sense of community feels quite beautiful.

LAWRENCE: Thank you very much. You know, this is one of the things where it doesn't really matter what other people believe. Some people will look at this and say, well that's just ridiculous, that's it's just a stain on the wall. Other people will look at it and truly see the image of the Virgin Mary. You're probably not going to convince someone to change their mind, and Carol, there's really nothing wrong with that.

LIN: No, not at all. That's part of having faith. Thanks very much. Chris Lawrence.

(MUSIC)

Are you a U2 fan? Stick around, because we're going to talk to somebody who knows Bono and band's likes and dislikes and hobbies, all of it. That's coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: We have just learned that a British shoe bomb co- conspirator has been sentenced by a British judge to 13 years. Saajid Badat may have actually backed out of the alleged plot with the shoe bomber Richard Reid, who had been subdued by passengers when he tried to detonate a bomb on board an American Airlines jet back in 2001, but a judge has decided that he is going the get 13 years in prison for that. It's the first major conviction for a terrorist plot in Britain since the 9/11 attacks. We'll keep you posted. In the meantime, let's find out what's coming up at the top of the hour on "NEWS FROM CNN." Wolf Blitzer, standing by in Washington with a preview on that. Morning, Wolf.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, Carol, thanks very much. We're working on a number of stories. With the violence of late in Iraq, there are growing concerns about insurgents. Are they getting bolder? The shoot-down of a civilian helicopter is raising some new questions. We'll take a closer look.

Also, we'll look at these incredible pictures. Check this out. From Kansas, a powerful tornado captured on tape. Coming up, we're going to take with a storm chaser who shot the pictures. Also, that same region of the country is under a severe weather watch today. Our meteorologist Orelon Sidney is tracking the storms for us. She'll have an update.

Watch for those stories, lots more, at the top of the hour on "NEWS FROM CNN." In the meantime, back to Carol.

LIN: Thanks, Wolf. We'll be tuning in.

In fact, a lot of those killer tornadoes disrupting the president's plans today for Earth Day. It is Earth Day and we are going to take a look at what's happening around the country. Be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: Today is Earth Day and a number of events are actually on the calendar. On Capitol Hill, the world's largest Baked Alaska was created this morning, using Ben & Jerry's Fossil Fuel ice cream. It's a publicity stunt to protest oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. That drilling was recently passed by the House of Representatives in a new energy bill, by the way. Senate Democrats threaten to filibuster if the provision is not removed from the bill.

And President Bush had planned to mark the day with an event, I think it's called Cave Cove, in the great Smoky Mountains National Park. But it was canceled due to weather. Ironically, the park is ranked as the most polluted in the national park system.

The annual Gallup survey finds Americans also are increasingly pessimistic about the environment. About half regard current environmental conditions as negative.

The poll reveals that Social Security has surged ahead, though, as the top long-term concern among Americans. And worries about the environment rank a distant third. This on Earth Day.

More news still ahead. Business update next, in fact.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT) LIN: All right, we've got some severe weather crawling across the Midwest, heading to the Southeast and the Northeast. A live picture here, where we are tracking a major thunderstorm. Yes, you just saw lightning. There you go. Serious situation in Huntsville, Alabama.

Orelon Sidney has been reporting in from the CNN Weather Center, saying that there have been nearly 200 reports of hail, some the size of softballs. So far, no more tornadic activity yet, but about half a dozen tornadoes in the state of Kansas were destroying homes and shutting down an international airport. We're going have more at the top of the hour.

In meantime, here's how he describes himself, cigar smoking, wine drinking, bible reading bandman. Oh, showoff, too. Bono's voice in political activism are unmistakable after three decades as the frontman for the Irish rockers U2. The band's latest CD "Vertigo" is driving their 2005 world tour. And they're going to play in Seattle this weekend. Bono reflects on his remarkable life in the new book, "Bono, Conversations with Michka Assayas."

He joins me now from Paris to talk more about his friend Bono. Friend, because he managed to spend five days I think in the south of France actually picking apart the book together. He's virtually your coauthor in this, Michka.

MICHKA ASSAYAS, AUTHOR, "BONO": Yes, I think it's very original situation that happened here. I think we have worked as a pair of screenwriters. It's the first time ever, I think, Bono has become associated with a book instead of being written about.

LIN: Quickly tell me about that scenario unfolded. I mean, you'd actually written the manuscript, right? And then suddenly you get a phone call from the man. And then tell me what happened next quickly.

ASSAYAS: Yes. Well, the amazing thing was the very date the book was due to go to printer, I got a phone call from Bono, saying I have read the manuscript, I think you made a great job, but you know, there are little bits here and there, I think which -- we could do it better, so I'm going to make you a tantalizing offer. You know I've got some work to do with the south of France, so why don't you come and join me here? We'll spend an afternoon reading through it, celebrating. I'll take you out to a great restaurant, and then you know, you can send it to a publisher. But -- and actually what happened, is that I had stayed there for five days and five nights. I only had one toothbrush. No change. So, you know, he kept on throwing new lines -- and when I'm came back to Paris, I was -- yes?

LIN: Michka, tell me the one, the biggest...

(CROSSTALK)

LIN: I got to ask you this because we're running out of time. What is -- if you could tell one thing about Bono that they didn't know, what would it be? ASSAYAS: One thing -- well, that this guy is his worst enemy, you know, the biggest critic of Bono is Bono himself, and he's very, very, very funny guy.

LIN: And his biggest criticism of himself would be?

ASSAYAS: The biggest critic of whom?

LIN: What the worst thing he had to say about himself?

ASSAYAS: The worst thing he has to say about himself, that he's totally unpredictable. In his -- the -- what's his words? It's I'm the most reliable -- unreliable of friends, you know, and very faithful friend, but completely unreliable.

LIN: All right, "Bono: Conversations With Michka Assayas." Thank you so much for joining us. Good luck with the book.

All right, the ever so reliable Wolf Blitzer standing by up in Washington.

I'm Carol Lin. You have a great weekend.

Wolf, we're handing off a lot of news to you this morning.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com