[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 120 Introduced in House (IH)]

113th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 120

 A resolution commemorating the life and service of Benedict XVI, Pope 
 Emeritus, and congratulating Pope Francis on his election as Supreme 
                 Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 15, 2013

  Mr. Grimm (for himself, Mr. Tiberi, Mr. Pascrell, and Mr. Lipinski) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                           on Foreign Affairs

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 A resolution commemorating the life and service of Benedict XVI, Pope 
 Emeritus, and congratulating Pope Francis on his election as Supreme 
                 Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

Whereas Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus, a man of monumental courage and humility, 
        whose unceasing love and devotion to the ministry of Christ helped 
        steward the Catholic Church and the faithful through the daunting 
        challenges of the 21st century;
Whereas Benedict leaves behind an enduring legacy, both as renowned theologian 
        and kind-hearted leader who balanced the august splendor of the papacy 
        with a gentle humanity, and masterfully communicated the timeless 
        morality of the Church in a crusade against the modern evils of 
        relativism, materialism, and consumerism;
Whereas the election to the papacy of His Holiness Pope Francis, formerly 
        Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, marks a groundbreaking 
        moment in the life of the Catholic Church, elevating a marvelous suitor 
        to lead the world's largest apostolic Christian ministry;
Whereas Pope Francis has inspired a vibrant sense of reform and spiritual 
        renewal in the Church, representing the first pontiff born in the New 
        World, the first hailing from Latin America, and the first prelate 
        ordained in the renowned Society of Jesus or Jesuits;
Whereas the Pope's chosen regnal name of Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, 
        as well as his unrivaled reputation as a personally devoted minister to 
        the needs of the poor and outcast, emphasizes the opportunities and 
        obligations of mankind to serve a missionary role in advancing peace, 
        social justice, and moral contemplation for the betterment of all God's 
        children;
Whereas as President of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, Pope Francis' 
        experience as spiritual guide and premiere pastoral administrator of one 
        of the Holy See's largest and most active diocese reveals his unique 
        ability to accomplish much needed reforms in the Vatican and sustain a 
        growing Church in the world's developing communities in Latin America, 
        Africa, and Asia; and
Whereas Pope Francis' striking humility and simple gentleness empowers him to 
        connect with and renew the hearts of the faithful and heal the recent 
        wounds of the Church: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) offers its congratulations to Pope Francis as he 
        embarks on the sacred burden as the leader of the world's 
        1,200,000,000 Catholics; and
            (2) extends its gratitude and well-wishes to Benedict XVI, 
        Pope Emeritus, for his service to the world community as he 
        enters the next phase of his devotion to the Church in solemn 
        prayer and reflection.
                                 <all>