| | |
|---|
|
President Clinton: "For 20 years you have challenged us to think of life not in terms of what we acquire for ourselves, but in terms of what we give of ourselves." The Pope talked about what he called a test of national character in America. He cited the battle over abortion and assisted suicide.
The Pope's reception was a loud and loving one here, with a few hugs thrown in. Then it was time for a private meeting between the Pope and the President. Mr. Clinton planned to talk about world politics. Hartford Archbishop Daniel Cronin, who is also in St Louis waiting to see the Pope, says despite the President's sexual scandal, meeting the Pope was the right thing to do.
Archbishop Daniel Cronin: "I think it's courteous on the part of the president and I think the whole country in a sense should put the other question aside for the visit of the Holy Father."
Lauren Joyce, Guilford: "I think it's great how everyone can come out and see the Pope. I think it's wonderful."
The Pope will meet with the young people this evening before saying mass before 100,000 people Wednesday morning.
©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT |
Pope John Paul II Arrives in St Louis
The Pope arrived in St Louis earlier today and met publicly and in private with President Clinton.
The frail but determined looking Pope met the President and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in an airport hanger in St Louis. The President congratulated the pope on his stamina.
Pope John Paul II: "The spirit of compassion, concern, and general sharing must be part of the spirit of St Louis."
The next group waiting to meet the Pope - tens of thousands of young people. They marched through town waiting for the pope at a St Louis arena. Among them is a group of students from Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden.