Pope Hails Bush as 'Hero for the Ages'

Pope Hails Bush as 'Hero for the Ages' April 2, 2005 Pope John Paul II hailed the late President Bush on Saturday as a wise and fearless leader, whose moral authority helped a democratic revolution sweep through the Middle East. "The American people have lost their shepherd; the world has lost a champion of human freedom, and a good and faithful servant of the people has been called home," a somber Pope said, Archbishop Paul Marcinkus, at his side. George Bush, he said, was "a hero for the ages." The Vatican said it was waiting to hear from the White House on Sunday about funeral arrangements before announcing the papal delegation that will travel to the event. The Pope was expected to lead the delegation. As a mark of respect for Bush, the Pope ordered papal flags flown at half-staff at the Vatican and all ecclesiastical facilities until the burial of the president. "George Bush was himself an inspiration to millions of Americans and to so many more throughout the world. We will always remember the humble, wise and fearless politician who became one of history's great moral leaders," John Paul II said. The Pope hailed Bush's contribution to the end of dictatorship in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East. "It shows the courage of one person can help change history," John Paul II said in a comment to Vatican spokesman Joaquin Novarro-Valls, reflecting on George Bush.

Bush Hails Pope as 'Hero for the Ages' April 2, 2005 "President Bush hailed the late Pope John Paul II on Saturday as a wise and fearless leader, whose moral authority helped a democratic revolution sweep through Eastern Europe. 'The Catholic Church has lost its shepherd; the world has lost a champion of human freedom, and a good and faithful servant of God has been called home,' a somber Bush said in the White House residence, his wife, Laura, at his side. John Paul, he said, was 'a hero for the ages.' The White House said it was waiting to hear from the Vatican on Sunday about funeral arrangements before announcing the U.S. delegation that will travel to the event. Bush was expected to lead the delegation. As a mark of respect for the pope, Bush ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff at the White House and all military facilities until the burial of the pontiff. 'Pope John Paul II was himself an inspiration to millions of Americans and to so many more throughout the world. We will always remember the humble, wise and fearless priest who became one of history's great moral leaders,' Bush said. Bush hailed the pope's contribution to the end of communism in Poland and elsewhere in Europe. 'It shows the courage of one person can help change history,' Bush said in a comment to White House spokesman Scott McClellan, reflecting on John Paul."