President to meet with Pope Benedict during European trip in June

Published: 2008-05-21

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Two months after hosting Pope Benedict XVI at the White House, President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush will visit the Vatican during a June 9-16 European trip, the White House announced May 20. "The president will begin his trip by participating in the annual U.S.-European Union summit in Slovenia," the announcement said. "Following the summit, the president and Mrs. Bush will visit Germany, Italy, the Holy See, France and the United Kingdom." Although the White House released no itinerary and the Vatican did not officially confirm the president's visit, Vatican sources said it was expected to take place June 13. The White House said the Bushes' trip to Europe was designed "to strengthen the trans-Atlantic partnership and to celebrate the enduring friendship between our nations based on shared democratic values." "The president and Mrs. Bush's visit will also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Marshall Plan and the Berlin Airlift.

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