WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush brought a crowd of Catholic religious leaders and laymen to their feet Thursday when he praised Pope John Paul's stance against abortion.
In a ceremony to inaugurate the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in northeast Washington, Bush lauded the pontiff and his support for a "culture of life."
"The culture of life is a welcoming culture, never excluding, never dividing, never despairing and always affirming the goodness of life in all its seasons," Bush said before an audience of cardinals, bishops, clergy and laymen. "In the culture of life we must make room for the stranger.
"We must defend in love the innocent child waiting to be born," he said in a defense of the pope's opposition to abortion.
This sparked a burst of applause from the audience who rose to their feet for a long ovation.
Only a few, including Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts -- who opposed Bush's reinstatement of a ban on U.S.-funded family planning groups that advocate abortion rights -- and his niece Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, remained in their seats.
The pope, who had a difficult relationship with former President Clinton, said in a telegram to Bush for his inauguration that he hoped the new administration would provide "clear direction and a sound ethical foundation."
The Vatican and the Clinton White House often clashed over ethical issues, particularly abortion. Although Bush did not emphasize the issue during his presidential campaign, he opposes abortion except in case of rape or incest, or to save the life of a pregnant woman.
HIGH-TECH CULTURAL CENTER AIMS TO TEACH ABOUT FAITH
Schlossberg's husband's New York-based firm created the interactive, educational exhibits at the Cultural Center, which aims to help visitors explore questions of spirituality through simulations and exhibits.
The center includes the pope's skis, his rosaries and will also include a chalice presented to Cardinal Adam Maida, the center's president, by the pope's representative Thursday.
Bush took a tour of the museum and was given a lesson on the its interactive displays, which can be accessed with a "smart card" issued at the entrance.
Bush, who says his faith is very important to him and who has given religion a high profile in his administration, tested some of the exhibits as he toured the center.
"The center we dedicate today celebrates the pope's message, its comfort and its challenge," Bush said. "This place stands for the dignity of the human person, the value of every life and the splendor of truth."
16:33 03-22-01
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