Bush says pope was 'champion of human freedom'

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush paid tribute to Pope John Paul II in a brief appearance shortly after the pope's death, calling him a "champion of human freedom."

"Laura and I join people across the earth in mourning the passing of Pope John Paul II," the president said. "The Catholic Church has lost its shepherd, the world has lost a champion of human freedom, and a good and faithful servant of God has been called home," Bush said from the White House.

The president ordered that US flags be flown at halfstaff on all public buildings on the day of the pope's interment.

Bush pointed ...