President Bush's next stop was the Vatican, where an unusual sight awaited him. Pope Benedict XVI was 'waiting' for the US President in the Vatican gardens outside the Tower of St John.
However, there was yet another detour in protocol. Usually, the Pope meets dignitaries in his private library located in the Apostolic Palace. But, he chose to meet President Bush in the medieval tower.
Benedict and Bush discussed the Middle East peace process, the food crisis and other international issues.
The pontiff also thanked Bush for his 'commitment in defence of fundamental moral values'.
Image: Bush with Pope Benedict XVI at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens.
Photograph : Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images
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