Bob's Weekly Report - The Legacy of Pope John Paul II,,Y Moral Dignity and Human Kindness
The Legacy of Pope John Paul II,, Y Moral Dignity and Human Kindness
April 8, 2005
The recent passing of Pope John Paul II is an immeasurable loss - not only to those of the Roman Catholic faith, but to the entire world. He valued peace and touched the lives of countless people during his 26-year papacy through his commitment to confronting communism and the promotion of human rights around the world.
There has been no stronger voice for the family. John Paul made the defense of the family one of the principle keys throughout his pontificate. He saw clearly that the future was strongly tied to a foundation of the family.
Widely considered one of the most extraordinary leaders in the modern world, John Paulfs legacy is awed even by people who didnft share his faith. He had a unique ability to articulate his vision in such an accessible way that everyone understood, especially the younger generations. He spoke with such profound respect, even for people who disagreed with him.
John Paul served at a unique point in history. The world was a witness to the emergence of great leaders who struggled against evil towards a common goal of freedom. Alongside Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, together they confronted communism. Not even an attempted murder by a professional assassin in May 1981 could stop John Paul II and his campaign for freedom.
The leadership Pope John Paul provided throughout the Cold War helped lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end to modern communism in Eastern Europe. There is no doubt that John Paul played an instrumental role in the preservation of the very freedom many enjoy today.
Even in sickness, Pope John Paul showed us the fundamental dignity of the human person that dying should not be feared nor hastened. While the world grieves the profound loss of this remarkable man, his life and his undeniable impact on the world is to be celebrated.
With the loss of this amazing leader, the world is missing one of the greatest men of our time. We have lost a strong champion of cultural and spiritual issues throughout the world. However, he established a foundation upon which others can build and carry forward his vision of freedom and hope. His prolific writings, gift for speaking, and his unwavering leadership will never be forgotten.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/va06_goodlatte/040805wc.html