Franciscan describes Bush's visit to biblical sites in Holy Land

Published: 2008-01-15

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Following a grueling schedule of political meetings, U.S. President George W. Bush was thankful for the opportunity to visit some of the Christian holy sites, said a Franciscan friar who accompanied Bush on his visit to Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes in Israel. "He is truly a religious man, and President Bush mentioned how nice it was to get away and to have some (time for) peace and quiet and prayer for reflection," said Father Peter Vasko, an official of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, which cares for the holy sites. "He said it was so restful and peaceful for him to be there. He loved the Sea of Galilee." Bush, who arrived in the Holy Land Jan. 9 to discuss peace with Palestinian and Israeli political leaders, visited the Church of the Nativity Jan. 10 and the Mount of Beatitudes Jan. 11, the last day of his trip in the Holy Land. Father Vasko said the president was extremely interested in the archaeology of the house of St. Peter at Capernaum, and they read several passages of Scripture related to the site.

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