Pope Benedict XVI visits the White House

Nation & World News

An enthralled South Lawn crowd of more than 9,000 sang "Happy Birthday" to Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday, and President Bush said that the first papal White House visit in 29 years was a reminder for Americans to "distinguish between simple right and wrong."

A combo of three photos offering a panoramic view of President Bush with Pope Benedict XVI during welcoming ceremonies at the White House, Wednesday, April 16, 2007. Bush welcomed the pontiff offering assurances that the United States is a nation of prayer and that its people are open to his message of hope.

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd from a White House balcony, as U.S. President George W. Bush (right) and first lady Laura Bush look on, during a welcome ceremony in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

U.S. President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush welcome Pope Benedict XVI to the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

A young girl holds a sign greeting Pope Benedict XVI to the United States during a welcoming ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

President Bush and Pope Benedict XVI walk to the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008, following an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn.

Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd, with U.S. President George W. Bush at his side, during a welcoming ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI and U.S. President George W. Bush shake hands during a welcome ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI looks on during a welcoming ceremony at the White House, Wednesday, April 16, 2007. Bush welcomed the pontiff offering assurances that the United States is a nation of prayer and that its people are open to his message of hope.

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A combo of three photos offering a panoramic view of President Bush with Pope Benedict XVI during welcoming ceremonies at the White House, Wednesday, April 16, 2007. Bush welcomed the pontiff offering assurances that the United States is a nation of prayer and that its people are open to his message of hope.

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