Pope John Paul II points to Lake Albano accompanied by President Bush, during their first meeting at the Pontiff's summer residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome in this July 23, 2001 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/Arturo Mari, Files)