I have not written about the singular reception given to Pope Benedict XVI by the White House on his first visit to the United States as Pontiff. However, The Anchoress — my favorite blogger on Catholicism and faith — has been covering the trip extensively at her site. Start at the top and keep scrolling down to read her always-insightful and thought-provoking commentary.

The White House went all-out to celebrate Benedict’s 81st birthday today, complete with a South Lawn celebration and the traditional singing:

President Bush and Pope Benedict XVI agreed Wednesday that terrorism is an unacceptable weapon for any cause or religion, standing strongly united on that issue but divided on others during a day of substance and symbolism at the White House.

The festive White House visit was the highlight of the first full day of Benedict’s first trip to the United States as leader of the world’s Roman Catholics. A South Lawn arrival ceremony — which also turned into a celebration for Benedict’s 81st birthday, complete with energetic singing and a several-tiered cake prepared by the White House pastry chef — was followed by 45 minutes of private talks between Bush and Benedict, alone in the Oval Office.

The two leaders had a private meeting later, issuing a communique on points of agreement on abortion, stem-cell research, and immigration administration. The list pointedly excluded the Iraq war, the death penalty, and the embargo on Cuba, all points where Bush and Benedict diverge.

Will this trip produce any surprises? Probably not, but for Catholics, it gives us an opportunity to recall our connection to our one billion co-religionists around the world. It is a time for introspection and consideration of the differences between the worldly concerns and spiritual values, and a time to take stock in them.

For others, as Allahpundit noted yesterday, it’s a time to ask really dumb questions that reveal the ignorance of some critics of the Church. Too bad; they probably need to spend more time with The Anchoress, but I doubt they will.