Pope Benedict XVI will highlight his anti-abortion message when he arrives in the US in a fortnight on a visit that breaks with the Vatican’s traditional practice of steering clear of countries in election years.

President George W. Bush will greet the Pope at Andrews air force base in Maryland on April 15 at the start of a six-day trip ahead of a presidential election in which John McCain, a “pro-life” Republican, will compete against Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama – “pro-choice” Democrats.