Demonstrators clashed with police in central Rome on Saturday as U.S. President George W. Bush wound up a visit to Pope Benedict and Italian leaders.

Hours after Bush had discussed Middle East peace with Pope Benedict and was wrapping up meetings with Italian politicians, police in riot gear charged and fired tear gas at demonstrators who had thrown bottles at them in Rome's historic centre.

The protestors, some wearing motorcycle helmets and bandanas to cover their faces, shattered a window of a bank and overturned outdoor dining tables on some of Rome's most famous streets.

Several policemen and demonstrators were injured.

Tear gas wafted into Rome's historic Piazza Navona, which had been the scene of a demonstration that was for the most part peaceful. Anti-American graffiti was spray-painted on some statues and restaurants and shopkeepers lowered their shutters. isn't it amazing wherever Bush goes throught the world he causes riots and disgust and contempt,

Just a side note...when Bush was metting with Pope Bededict XVI our Idiot In Chief was overheard adressing him as "Sir" as opposed to the ccustomary and more dignified "His Holiness"