In Italy, Bush confers with pope, Prodi

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ROME - President Bush yesterday defended his humanitarian record to Pope Benedict XVI, who expressed concern about "the worrisome situation in Iraq."

Mr. Bush also sought to shore up relations with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, whose center-left government has been heavily critical of U.S. policies. Although Mr. Prodi has withdrawn Italian forces from Iraq, Mr. Bush thanked him for Italy's leadership in supporting the fragile Western-backed government in Lebanon and its commitment of 2,000 troops for NATO's mission in Afghanistan.

Relations with Italy are "pretty darn solid," Mr. Bush said.

Mr. Prodi agreed. "We basically agree on how the future of the world should look, should be," the Italian leader said.

The president went to the Vatican for his first meeting with the pope, who has lamented the "continual slaughter" in Iraq and concluded that "nothing positive comes from Iraq."

The pope asked Mr. Bush about his talks last week in Germany with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a time of deep strain between Moscow and Washington. "The dialogue with Putin was also good?" the pope asked.

"I'll tell you in a minute," Mr. Bush said, mindful of the presence of reporters and television cameras during the photo opportunity. They both laughed.

"I was talking to a very smart, loving man," the president said later of his discussion with the pope. "I was in awe, and it was a moving experience."

Highly unpopular in Italy and across Europe, Mr. Bush highlighted U.S. efforts to fight disease and poverty in Africa. The president noted that he had asked Congress to double the commitment for fighting AIDS in Africa, from $15 billion to $30 billion.

Tens of thousands of anti-globalization and far-left activists marched through the capital's ancient center to protest Mr. Bush's visit. As the protests were concluding, riot police used tear gas on small groups who threw bottles and donned masks in defiance of a police order.