File photo showing U.S. President George Bush and first lady Barbara Bush with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. File photo showing U.S. President George Bush and first lady Barbara Bush walking with Pope John Paul II after their meeting in the Vatican library, on May 27, 1989. Pope John Paul II neared death on Friday as his health suddenly worsened, drawing anguished prayers from Catholics around the world reluctant to accept his historic pontificate was near its end. REUTERS/Pool/FILE