By
Associated Press
.
Published: Wed, April 16, 2008 - 6:05 am
Last Updated: Wed, April 16, 2008 - 9:06 am
WHITE HOUSE (AP) - An elaborate ceremony awaits Pope Benedict atthe White House today, complete with the American and Vatican
anthems and a 21-gun salute.
Thousands are expected to greet the pontiff on his 81st
birthday.
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino says President Bush will
tell Benedict millions of people in this country have prayed for
his visit. And she says Bush will tell him the U.S. is a nation of
prayer that welcomes the faithful.
During his flight to the U.S yesterday, the pontiff told
reporters he'd like to talk with Bush about reform of U.S.
immigration laws. Human rights and religious tolerance are also
high on his agenda.
Benedict also said during his flight he is "deeply ashamed" of
the clergy sex-abuse scandal. He pledged that pedophiles will not
be priests in the Catholic Church.
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