Bush to pay first visit to Pope Benedict in June

Rome, Apr 15: US President George W Bush will pay his first visit to Pope Benedict in June, the Vatican said. Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi yesterday said Bush will meet the Pope on June 9 or 10 after attending a Group of Eight summit in Germany. Benedict, who was elected pope two years ago after the death of John Paul II, last week lamented the ''continual slaughter'' in Iraq. ''Nothing positive comes from Iraq,'' he said in his Easter message.

A government source said on Thursday Bush may also see Prime Minister Romano Prodi during his trip to Rome.

Relations between the two countries have been strained since Prodi took office a year ago, replacing centre-right leader Silvio Berlusconi, a staunch US ally.

Reuters