US President George W Bush has addressed Pope Benedict XVI as 'sir' instead of the expected 'His Holiness', drawing gasps in the Vatican.
Reporters could clearly hear Bush say 'Yes, sir' when the pope asked if he was going to meet with officials of the lay Catholic Sant'Egidio community at the US embassy later on his visit.
A handful of reporters were present as Benedict XVI greeted Bush at the entrance of his private library ahead of a half an hour private meeting.
On his way to visit the 80-year-old pontiff, the US leader apparently recognized someone in the crowd that he knew, and surprisingly greeted the person with a casual 'How ya doin.'
Reporters also noted Bush's relaxed posture, crossing his legs 'Texan style' while facing the pope in his private study of the apostolic palace.
