Zen met Bush during his tour of US, Catholic media network says

Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun is understood to have had a meeting with US President George W. Bush in Washington last month during a tour of North America.

Observers said that although it had taken place at a sensitive time, ahead of the release of the Pope's letter to Chinese Catholics, the meeting should not cause concern in Beijing since it had not been pre-arranged and happened only because of a coincidence of timing.

Last night Cardinal Zen did not deny a report by EWTN - a US Catholic media network - that the meeting took place on May 31 in Mr Bush's private White House residence.

'I am not confirming it, but if he wanted to see me, why shouldn't I? Has Bush got leprosy?' Cardinal Zen said. 'I am feeling that this is not something I should talk about.'

The atmosphere between Beijing and Rome has been tense in recent months, and Pope Benedict's letter to Chinese Catholics is keenly awaited.

Cardinal Zen, the only active Chinese cardinal, said the nature of any such meeting was private. He said he was concerned that Beijing would take a negative view of such a meeting, but said he had not initiated contact with Mr Bush during his month-long trip, which ended last week.