In the South Lawn this morning, Pope Benedict XVI reminded all Americans so much of what is at the core of American excellence. He said (in part):

In the next few days, I look forward to meeting not only with America’s Catholic community, but with other Christian communities and representatives of the many religious traditions present in this country. Historically, not only Catholics, but all believers have found here the freedom to worship God in accordance with the dictates of their conscience, while at the same time being accepted as part of a commonwealth in which each individual group can make its voice heard. As the nation faces the increasingly complex political and ethical issues of our time, I am confident that the American people will find in their religious beliefs a precious source of insight and an inspiration to pursue reasoned, responsible and respectful dialogue in the effort to build a more human and free society. Freedom is not only a gift, but also a summons to personal responsibility. Americans know this from experience — almost every town in this country has its monuments honoring those who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom, both at home and abroad. The preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good, and a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate. It also demands the courage to engage in civic life and to bring one’s deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate. In a word, freedom is ever new. It is a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be won over for the cause of good. Few have understood this as clearly as the late Pope John Paul II. In reflecting on the spiritual victory of freedom over totalitarianism in his native Poland and in Eastern Europe, he reminded us that history shows time and again that “in a world without truth, freedom loses its foundation,” and a democracy without values can lose its very soul. Those prophetic words in some sense echo the conviction of President Washington, expressed in his Farewell Address, that religion and morality represent “indispensable supports” of political prosperity.

It’s the kind of talk that inspires, lifts you up, and challenges all Americans. (And, yes, it reminds me of a speech from this December).

Some pictures (sorry, took forever to upload. My computer is Protestant):

Lighting the Way:

Shepherd and good listener:

He likes what he hears:

“Awesome speech”:

Not a bad birthday party:

Imagine how often he’d be here if Obama won:

Harry Reid has Bush on his mind:

Perino just chatting on a pretty day:

A Priest and a Senator (Fr. George W. Rutler and Rick Santorum):

B-1 to See B16:

Even they’re impressed: