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Rumors From Vatican: Bush May Convert

Posted Jun 14, 08 1:45 PM CDT in World,  Arts & Living,  Politics 

(Newser) – President Bush visited Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican yesterday, sparking rumors that the president may convert to Catholicism, the Telegraph reports. They spoke in a garden where the pontiff prays daily, not in the library where Benedict greets most world leaders. “What an honor!” said Bush, who has been called the most “Catholic-minded” president since JFK.

Benedict wished to reward Bush for the “warmth” he received during a recent US visit, the Vatican said. But it fumed over Italian media talk that Bush, a Methodist, might convert after leaving office, the Independent reports. The idea isn't without precedent: Tony Blair converted after his tenure as PM, and Jeb Bush converted before marrying.

Sources: Daily Telegraph (UK), Independent (UK), New York Times

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Pope Benedict XVI welcomes US President George W. Bush upon his arrival at the Vatican Gardens, Friday, June 13, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Pope Benedict XVI, left, and U.S .President George W. Bush walk in the Vatican Gardens at the end of their meeting at the Vatican Friday, June 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/Cristophe Simon, Pool)
President Bush walks with Pope Benedict XVI to the Lourdes Grotto at the Vatican, Friday, June 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Pope Benedict XVI leafs through a photo album of the pontiff's trip to the US in April, a gift from US President George W. Bush.   (AP Photo)
The pontiff gave President Bush a rare peek of the Vatican Gardens, a spot where popes pray privately and only special guests are allowed to stroll.   (AP Photo/Cristophe Simon, pool)
George W. Bush holds up a framed photograph of himself with his wife Laura Bush and Pope Benedict XVI during the pontiff's trip to the US in April.   (AP Photo)
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George W. Bush • Italy • Pope Benedict XVI • Catholic Church • Vatican • Catholicism • Jeb Bush



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