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Recognition and Remembrance of the Life and Career of Pope John Paul II

Date: April 12, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Religion


RECOGNITION AND REMEMBRANCE OF THE LIFE AND CAREER OF POPE JOHN PAUL II -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 12, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2005

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to recognize and remember the life of Pope John Paul II.

The world mourns the passing of Pope John Paul II and the great void he leaves behind as a force for good in the world. Pope John Paul inspired peoples of all faiths in every corner of the globe by his living example of faith, justice, peace and love. His twenty-six years as the Holy Father transformed the Roman Catholic Church and revitalized the more than one billion Roman Catholics around the world.

Pope John Paul worked tirelessly to advance human dignity, social justice and peace. His powerful presence helped to defeat communism in his home country of Poland and contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union. The Pope urged his fellow Catholics in Poland to support Lech Walesa and the Solidarity movement in a peaceful and non-violent campaign that eventually led to Solidarity's successful victory in Poland's first post-communist election.

Pope John Paul was a great champion and advocate for the poor, the sick and the forgotten, particularly in the developing world. He loved children, and often appeared to take great joy from speaking to and meeting with young people. Pope John Paul traveled the globe inviting and mobilizing young people to a life of faith and to stand in support of the rights of those less fortunate than themselves.

The life of Pope John Paul II has been a blessing for Catholics and people of all faiths. His moral and spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church and for all mankind make his life an example for all of us. Let us honor the life of John Paul and express our humble gratitude for the service, sacrifice and prayers he shared with all of us until the hour of his death.

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