WASHINGTON — As he was on his knees just yards from the body of Pope John Paul II during a viewing in St. Peter's Basilica this week, President Bush recalled Friday, he had been "in touch with a spirit" as he prayed.
Offering a rare, reflective self-portrait as he began the long flight from Rome to his Texas ranch after the funeral, Bush said he was taken by the moment's spirituality as he knelt at the bier after arriving at the Vatican on Wednesday.
"I felt -- I'm trying to think of the right word -- 'alone' isn't the right word because I was aware of people -- but felt much more in touch with a spirit. I really did. I was very much, felt at peace there, and was prayerful," he told a small group of reporters who had accompanied him to Rome and then Texas.
"This will be," he said, "one of the highlights of my presidency, to have been at this great ceremony."
In a wide-ranging, 47-minute conversation, a transcript of which was made public by the White House, the president talked about his religious faith, his three days in Rome and an upcoming meeting with Israeli Prime Minster Ariel Sharon.
He had abandoned the dark business suit and somber tie he wore at the Vatican in favor of nylon sweat pants and a warmup jacket. His name was stitched on the left side of the chest, the presidential seal on the right, according to a report from the journalists on board.
"I knew the ceremony today would be majestic," he said, "but I didn't realize how moved I would be by the service itself, by the beautiful music."
Bush said the pontiff would have "a clear legacy of peace, compassion, and a strong legacy of setting a clear moral tone."
Minutes later, seemingly troubled that he had not expressed the thought just as he wanted, the president, who has laughed at his occasional mangling of the language, amended his comment: "A clear and excellent legacy, if you don't mind adding the word 'excellent'
The president noted the crowds clamoring for a declaration of sainthood for the pope and repeated their Italian chant, "Subito!" meaning "Right away!"
The events led Bush, he said, to reflect on his own religious beliefs.
Asked whether he had ever had doubts about his faith, he said: "I think a walk in faith constantly confronts doubt, as faith becomes more mature. And you constantly confront, you know, questions. My faith is strong."
