[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 15 (Monday, April 21, 2008)]
[Pages 523-524]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 See and 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 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

[[Page 524]]

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.