ROME – Laura Bush has gotten a personal sendoff to the Italian Olympics from Pope Benedict.
The first lady called on him at the Vatican this morning on her way to the games in Turin. The pope wished her "a peaceful time." Mrs. Bush told reporters after the 20-minute meeting that he expressed his concern about the "worries of terrorism" and violence. And she said they shared a hope for peace and tolerance.
Mrs. Bush gave the pope a small silver bowl engraved with the presidential seal and the signatures of the president and first lady. The pope gave her and daughter Barbara rosaries.
Mrs. Bush is also visiting a Rome hospital for a breast cancer event and is having lunch with Italy's prime minister.
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