An American flag provides the backdrop for Pope John Paul II
and President Bill Clinton during the arrival ceremony at
Newark International Airport in Newark, N.J., in this Oct. 4,
1995 file photo. Five American presidents in a row eagerly
sought audiences with Pope John Paul II, even when the pontiff
expressed strong opposition to some of their policies, such as
President Clinton's support for abortion rights and President
Bush's invasion of Iraq. All five who occupied the White House
during John Paul II's 26-year papacy - Carter, Reagan, George
H.W. Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush - beat a path to the
Vatican. (AP Photo/Daniel Hulshizer, Files)
|