President and Mrs. Bush Congratulate Pope Benedict XVI

President and Mrs. Bush Congratulate Pope Benedict XVI The South Lawn 3:31 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Laura and I offer our congratulations to Pope Benedict XVI. He's a man of great wisdom and knowledge. He's a man who serves the Lord. We remember well his sermon at the Pope's funeral in Rome, how his words touched our hearts and the hearts of millions. We join with our fellow citizens and millions around the world who pray for continued strength and wisdom as His Holiness leads the Catholic Church.

Thank you all.

END 3:32 P.M. EDT For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, April 19, 2005