The pope, who has stressed the importance of simplicity, arrived for the unveiling wearing a plain white cassock, in modest contrast to the wardrobe of the Italian cardinal who welcomed him wearing a red cape.

NPR: Francis Honors John Paul II Before Installation

After meeting bigwigs including International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge, who said "Lord Bates is setting a fine example of what it means to live by the Olympic values every day, " and Pope Benedict XVI, who welcomed him with the observation "You've walked a long way, " Lord Bates is on the home stretch.

WSJ: Olympic Peace Walk From Greece to London Survives Its Waterloo

Back in Montgomery last week, Jackson was welcomed graciously by Wallace, who served him pecan rolls on a silver tray and iced tea in a silver pitcher on the sun porch of the Governor's mansion.

CNN: From Protest To Politics

His appointment was welcomed by Education Secretary Michael Gove who described him as a "distinguished, honourable" MP.

BBC: Profile: Sir George Young

"Anyone who had a passion for astronomy was welcomed by him... the effort he put in was absolutely unmatched, " said space scientist Dr Lucie Green.

BBC: Tributes paid to Sir Patrick Moore

Rep. PAYNE: This person, who was the one that welcomed Osama bin Laden, the one that has commandeered the Janjaweed--to fly him first class here to the United States, to Washington, DC, and to fly him back in a luxury jet back to Khartoum, it's disgraceful.

NPR: U.S. Relationship with Sudan a Balancing Act