Durbin and Frist to Lead Senate Delegation to Attend Pope's Funeral

DURBIN AND FRIST TO LEAD SENATE DELEGATION TO ATTEND POPE'S FUNERAL

Wednesday, April 6, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) and Assistant Democratic Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) will lead a delegation of 14 Senators to Vatican City for the funeral mass of Pope John Paul II.

"I am grateful to have the opportunity to travel to Vatican City to express the respect and appreciation of the United States Senate and the American citizens for Pope John Paul II, his wisdom, works and enduring contributions to the global community," said Frist.

"For more than a quarter century, Pope John Paul II was a messenger of human freedom, dignity and peace. I am honored to be able to attend his funeral on behalf of the American people and to honor the memory and life of this extraordinary man," said Durbin.

A delegation of 14 Senators will be traveling to the funeral. In addition to Senators Frist and Durbin, attendees include Senators Joe Biden (D-DE), Jim Bunning (R-KY), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike DeWine (D-OH), Chris Dodd (D-CT), Pete Domenici (R-NM), Ted Kennedy (D-MA), John Kerry (D-MA), Patrick Leahy (R-VT), Mel Martinez (R-FL), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), and Rick Santorum (R-PA). The Senate Chaplin, Rev. Barry C. Black will also attend.

The delegation will leave Washington on Wednesday night and return Friday evening.

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=236051&&