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)