Speaking at the White House Monday, Mr. Bush said Judge Roberts has natural gifts as a leader and a reputation for good will and decency toward others.
The chief justice position came open late Saturday when Justice William Rehnquist died at the age of 80 after battling thyroid cancer.
Mr. Bush had previously nominated Mr. Roberts to fill the Supreme Court vacancy of retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. He will now put forward another nominee for that vacancy.
The president noted Judge Roberts once served as a law clerk for the late Chief Justice Rehnquist, and said Mr. Rehnquist should be replaced a man who shares his "deep reverence for the Constitution."
President Bush said he is confident the Senate can finish hearings on Mr. Roberts and confirm him by the time the Supreme Court reconvenes in October.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.