Bush Welcomes Pope to White House "Dressed in his traditional white cassock and skullcap, the pontiff delivered a message celebrating the greatness of American democracy, as well as the nation’s embrace of religion. His speech was laden with references to American history, including the struggle against slavery, the civil rights movement and George Washington. 'I come as a friend, a preacher of the Gospel and one with great respect for this vast pluralistic society,' the pontiff said, adding, 'Democracy can only flourish, as your founding fathers realized, when political leaders and those whom they represent are guided by truth.'”
NY Times