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updated 12:30 p.m. ET Feb. 15, 2008

WASHINGTON - Pope Benedict XVI will visit the White House on April 16 during his first visit to the United States as pontiff.

White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said the president and the pope would continue discussions they began during Bush's trip to the Vatican in June 2007 on the importance of faith and reason in reaching shared goals.

Stanzel said the goals include advancing peace throughout the Middle East and other troubled regions, promoting interfaith understanding and strengthening human rights and freedom.

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The pope was also expected to address the United Nations, visit ground zero in New York and celebrate Mass in New York and Washington during his April 15-20 trip.