Bush touts Catholic schools, immigration reform at prayer breakfast

Published: 2007-04-13

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- President George W. Bush praised Catholic schools and pressed for immigration reform in remarks delivered April 13 at the fourth annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington. "America's Catholic schools play a vital role in our nation. The schools were built by poor immigrants, they were staffed by legions of dedicated nuns, brothers and priests -- and they have given millions of Americans the knowledge and character they need to succeed in life," Bush said. "Today, these schools are also serving thousands of non-Catholic children in some of nation's poorest neighborhoods. I appreciate the tremendous sacrifices that many dioceses are making to keep their inner(-city) schools going. I am worried that too many of these schools are closing -- and our nation needs to do something about it," the president added to applause. On the subject of immigration, Bush said to the 1,600 gathered for the breakfast that "we must have" a national policy "that enforces our laws and upholds the dignity of every single person in the United States. And now is the time for the United States Congress to get a bill to my desk that I can sign."

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