THE PRESIDENT'S WELCOME

A marvelous soprano, Kathleen Battle,
sang the Lord's Prayer - an inspiring
rendition. The Pope was very pleased
with this performance and demonstrated it
with his applause.

Anxious to show their affection, the young people
far from the Pope's seat began to sing
Happy Birthday.

This was, of course, the Holy Father's 81st
birthday. He especially enjoyed hearing
the young people, and eventually the whole throng
honor his special day.

The President then arose and went to the
podium. He began with St. Augustine's "pax tecum" -
"peace be with you" - and told the Pontiff
that he welcomed the Pope's visit with all Americans
in the spirit of peace.

Among his remarks, I was struck at the President's recalling of language used by the Pope himself.

“We need your message to reject this dictatorship of relativism and embrace a culture of justice and truth,” the President said.

The President also drew attention to the importance
both of the role of religion in American history
and the freedom of religion which results in
a pluralistic society.

The President concluded his warm welcome to
His Holiness, and then turned the podium over
to his guest.