White House calls Pope inspiration for millions

WASHINGTON - Pope John Paul II is an inspiration for millions of Americans and President Bush is praying for him, the White House said on Friday.

Spokesman Scott McClellan said the White House was in close contact with the Vatican about the pope's failing health. Chief of Staff Andrew Card was keeping Bush up to date on the pope's condition.

"The president and Mrs. Bush join people all across the world who are praying for the Holy Father. He's in our thoughts and prayers," McClellan told reporters.

Bush has met the pope twice at the Vatican.

"The outpouring of love across the world is a testimony to the greatness of the pope. The pope is an inspiration to millions of Americans and people all over the world for his great moral leadership," McClellan said.

Asked to reflect on the pope's legacy, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice hailed his contribution to the end of communism in Poland and elsewhere in Europe.

"At the time when communism was breaking down, finally, and needed strong people who were prepared to push those boulders aside, and to make it possible for tyranny to end in Europe, the pope was ... one of the most important actors in that great (drama)," Rice told reporters.

"If you look at what happened in 1989 and 1990 and 1991 you cannot but help recognize the tremendous contribution of Pope John Paul II to those dramatic events and, therefore, to freedom," she said. "And he didn't stop there. He has continued to be a voice for those who are oppressed, for those who are seeking freedom."

- REUTERS