President George W. Bush used unusually personal and evocative language on Friday to describe his own religious journey, and said his presence at the funeral of Pope John Paul II had strengthened his faith.

“You can analyse and you can look at the coffin being held, with the sun shining on it, any way you want,” Mr Bush said aboard Air Force One, on his way to his Texas ranch. “I happen to feel it was a special moment that was part of a special ceremony for a special person. And it helped strengthen my faith.”