Washington (dpa) - A spontaneous singing of Happy Birthday and a
several tiered cake met Pope Benedict XVI at the White House Wednesday.

But when President George W Bush marks the pontiff's US visit with
a state dinner, the birthday boy will be missing. He's also turning
down an invitation to a separate party hosted by the Italian embassy.

Instead the pope - who tradition keeps from eating in public -
marked his 81st birthday with a private lunch with cardinals and
bishops.

After a formal welcome ceremony on the South Lawn, Bush gave
Benedict a lead crystal cross sculpture in honour of his visit and a
collection of US classical and religious CDs for his birthday, White
House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

She described the presentation of the cake as a "special moment" before their private meeting.

During the six-day papal visit, Benedict will give two Masses to
crowds in baseball stadiums in Washington and New York, visit the site
of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and address the United
Nations. (dpa)