Pope Benedict XVI to visit US in April

By Anastasia Tomazhenkova: Pope Benedict XVI plans to visit the White House during his first visit to the United States as pontiff. The approximate date of his visit - April 16.

Photo: Pope Benedict XVI to visit US in April

Scott Stanzel, White House spokesman, reported the president and the pope would continue discussions they began during Bush's trip to the Vatican in June 2007 on the importance of faith and reason in reaching shared goals.

Stanzel claimed the goals include advancing peace throughout the Middle East and other troubled regions, promoting interfaith understanding and strengthening human rights and freedom.

The pope also was expected to address the United Nations. While in New York City, he is to visit the site where the twin towers of the former World Trade Center stood before they were brought down by terrorists on September 11, 2001.

Benedict also will celebrate Mass in New York and Washington during his visit.