"From the page of pain and shame one thus turns to the page of hope."

--Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi, writing in the Vatican's newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, about Pope Benedict XVI's meeting with abuse victims at the Vatican embassy in Washington.

"I guess my cousin Barack has sat through some mighty riveting sermons over the years. If he gets elected, you're not going to want to miss those Washington prayer breakfasts."

--Vice President Dick Cheney, speaking at the Radio and Television Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington, about his distant relative, Barack Obama, and his fiery former pastor.

"These days that I have spent in the United States have been blessed with many memorable experiences of American hospitality, and I wish to express my deep appreciation to all of you for your kind welcome. It has been a joy for me to witness the faith and devotion of the Catholic community here. ..."

--Pope Benedict XVI in his closing remarks at the end of his six-day visit to the US April 15-20. The pope spoke at John F. Kennedy International Airport and was quotes by Catholic News Service.