By Michael Meaney
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It was a historic moment: as President George W. Bush participated in the funeral of a Pope - in spite of his dispute with the Pontiff over the Iraq-war, whistles and boos could be heard when close-up pictures of Bush were transmitted, reports German news network Spiegel.

US President Bush brought a high ranking delegation to Rome which included his father George Bush, predecessor Bill Clinton and Foreign Minister Condoleezza Rice. Bush had a place in the second row of the honor guests in St Peters Square. The seats were arranged in alphabetical sequence, next to Bush sat French President Jacques Chirac.

About 40 members belonged to a separate delegation of US-congress attended. Crowds reacted with booing and whistling when Bush appeared on the large screen.

Bush also visited Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on his trip to Rome and expressed regret of the death of the secret service officer Nicola Calipari. Calipari died a month ago at the hands of American soldiers - the incident has caused massive irritation between Italy and the USA.

Bush also met with American cardinals, who will assist as of 18 April with the choice of a new pope.

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