Zenit

Jeb Bush to Lead U.S. Delegation at Inaugural Mass

WASHINGTON, D.C., APRIL 22, 2005 (Zenit.org).- President George Bush is sending his brother, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, as part of the official U.S. delegation to the inaugural Mass of Pope Benedict XVI, the White House announced.

Jeb Bush, a convert to Catholicism, will head the presidential delegation that includes Michael Steele, lieutenant governor of the state of Maryland; and Carl Anderson, chief executive officer of the Knights of Columbus.

Two accompanying members of the delegation are Helen Alvaré, associate professor of law, Catholic University of America; and Frank Hanley, retired president of the International Union of Operating Engineers, the White House said today.

The inaugural Mass for Benedict XVI, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, will be held this Sunday in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.