Honoring the Life and Achievements of his Holiness Pope John Paul II and Expressing Profound Sorrow on his Death

HONORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE JOHN PAUL II AND EXPRESSING PROFOUND SORROW ON HIS DEATH -- (House of Representatives - April 06, 2005)

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Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I was deeply saddened to learn that the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, passed away on April 2nd. This extraordinary man touched millions across the world with his dynamic, courageous and compassionate leadership. I know that we in the United States join a global community in mourning this great and blessed man.

From his humble beginnings in Poland, Pope John Paul II became the first non-Italian pontiff in 455 years and one of the most beloved figures in recent memory to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The first pope to visit a synagogue and a mosque, he will be remembered as a spiritual leader who worked tirelessly to bring people of all faiths together. His papacy helped stem the tide of communism in Poland and Eastern Europe. His ministry on behalf of the poor and the sick is well known by worshipers worldwide.

One of the most moving moments I've ever experienced was seeing the pope speak to hundreds of thousands of Cubans at an outdoor mass in Havana in 1998. He delivered a message of religious tolerance, social justice, and human rights in the country of Fidel Castro. His powerful presence and words in Revolutionary Square were greeted by thunderous applause from the Cuban people. It was a special event I'll never forget.

During his historic first visit to the United States in 1979, the pope famously told the crowd in Boston that ``the pope is your friend.'' Now we say goodbye to a man of hope, a man of faith and a man of dignity. Today we say goodbye to our friend. May he rest in peace.

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