    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 16, 2008]
    [Pages 504-505]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by the United States of America and the Holy See
    April 16, 2008

        His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and
    President George W. Bush met today in the Oval Office of the White
    House.
        President Bush, on behalf of all Americans, welcomed the Holy
    Father, wished him a happy birthday, and
    thanked him for the spiritual and moral guidance, which he offers to the
    whole human family. The President wished the Pope every success in his
    Apostolic Journey and in his address at the United Nations, and
    expressed appreciation for the Pope's upcoming visit to ``Ground Zero''
    in New York.
        During their meeting, the Holy Father
    and the President discussed a number of topics of common interest to the
    Holy Seeand the United States of America, including moral and religious
    considerations to which both parties are committed: the respect of the
    dignity of the human person; the defense and promotion of life,
    matrimony and the family; the education of future generations; human
    rights and religious freedom; sustainable development and the struggle
    against poverty and pandemics, especially in Africa. In regard to the
    latter, the Holy Father welcomed the United States' substantial
    financial contributions in this area. The two reaffirmed their total
    rejection of terrorism as well as the manipulation of religion to
    justify immoral and violent acts against innocents. They further touched
    on

    [[Page 505]]

    the need to confront terrorism with appropriate means that respect the
    human person and his or her rights.
        The Holy Father and the President
    devoted considerable time in their discussions to the Middle East, in
    particular resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict in line with the
    vision of two states living side-by-side in peace and security, their
    mutual support for the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon, and
    their common concern for the situation in Iraq and particularly the
    precarious state of Christian communities there and elsewhere in the
    region. The Holy Father and the President expressed hope for an end to
    violence and for a prompt and comprehensive solution to the crises which
    afflict the region.
        The Holy Father and the President also
    considered the situation in Latin America with reference, among other
    matters, to immigrants, and the need for a coordinated policy regarding
    immigration, especially their humane treatment and the well being of
    their families.

    Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    version of this joint statement. An original was not available for
    verification of the content of this joint statement.