[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 147 (Monday, October 20, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H9694-H9697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE JOHN PAUL II'S ASCENSION TO THE 
                                 PAPACY

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 400) honoring the 25th anniversary of Pope John 
Paul II's ascension to the papacy, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 400

       Whereas Karol Jozef Wojtyla, known as John Paul II since 
     his October 1978 election to the papacy, was born in 
     Wadowice, Poland, on May 18, 1920, the day of the ``Polish 
     Miracle'', the nation's first military victory in 200 years 
     and a day which set in motion events which briefly restored 
     Poland's independence;
       Whereas he made his First Holy Communion at age 9 and was 
     confirmed at 18, and saw his mother, father, and eldest 
     brother all die before he turned 21, and upon graduation from 
     Marcin Wadowita high school in Wadowice, he enrolled in 
     Cracow's Jagiellonian University in 1938 and in a school for 
     drama;
       Whereas the Nazi occupation forces closed Cracow's 
     Jagiellonian University, where he was enrolled in 1939 and 
     young Karol had to work in a quarry and then in a chemical 
     factory to earn his living and to avoid being deported to 
     Germany;
       Whereas in 1942, aware of his call to the priesthood, he 
     began courses in the clandestine seminary of Cracow, run by 
     Cardinal Adam Stefan Sapieha, archbishop of Cracow, and at 
     the same time, Karol Wojtylla was one of the pioneers of the 
     ``Rhapsodic Theatre'', which was forced to hold clandestine 
     performances;
       Whereas in 1948 he returned to Poland and was vicar of 
     various parishes in Cracow as well as chaplain for the 
     university students until 1951, when he took up again his 
     studies on philosophy and theology;
       Whereas on January 13, 1964, he was nominated Archbishop of 
     Cracow by Pope Paul VI, who made him a cardinal June 26, 
     1967;
       Whereas on October 16, 1978, Karol Wojtylla began his 
     pontificate as Pope John Paul II;
       Whereas Pope John Paul II has used his pontificate in 
     unique fashion, emerging as more than just the leader of the 
     Catholic Church, but a global voice against communism, 
     oppression, and tyranny; working both in public and private, 
     to exercise his influence against the forces of injustice;
       Whereas in the 1980s, Pope John Paul II was a vocal 
     supporter of the Polish Solidarity movement and his support 
     for striking workers at the Gdansk Shipyard was a key to the 
     downfall of communism in Poland, and started in motion a 
     chain of events ultimately leading to the dissolution of the 
     Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact;
       Whereas his criticism of such dictators as Alfred 
     Stroessner in Paraguay, Augusto Pinochet in Chile, and 
     Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines encouraged opposition 
     movements that eventually brought down those governments;
       Whereas Pope John Paul II has become the most traveled Pope 
     in history, journeying more than a half million miles 
     visiting 125 countries, conducting meetings with numerous 
     government leaders during 38 official visits, holding 690 
     audiences and meetings held with Heads of State and 226 
     audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers;
       Whereas Pope John Paul II has welcomed more than 16,000,000 
     pilgrims in the General Audiences which were held weekly at 
     the Vatican; and met with tens of millions of the faithful 
     during pastoral visits made in Italy and throughout the 
     world, including more than 8,000,000 pilgrims during the 
     Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone;
       Whereas Pope John Paul II has been a prolific writer 
     completing 14 encyclicals, 13 apostolic exhortations, 11 
     apostolic constitutions, and 42 apostolic letters, and he has 
     also published three books: ``Crossing the Threshold of 
     Hope'' (October 1994); ``Gift and Mystery: On the 50th 
     Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination'' (November 1996); and 
     ``Roman Tryptych--Meditations'', a book of poems (March 
     2003);
       Whereas John Paul II has presided over 139 beatification 
     ceremonies (1,311 Blesseds proclaimed) and 48 canonization 
     ceremonies (469 Saints) during his pontificate, and he has 
     held 9 consistories in which he created 231 cardinals;
       Whereas in 1981, Pope John Paul II survived an 
     assassination attempt after being shot twice by Mehmet Ali 
     Agca in St. Peter's Square, whom the Pope would later 
     personally meet and forgive;
       Whereas Pope John Paul II, a survivor of fascism, 
     communism, and terrorism, has been a tireless voice for 
     morality and decency; and
       Whereas Pope John Paul II has emerged as more than just a 
     spiritual leader for the world's Catholics, but as one of the 
     most influential and inspirational leaders of the 20th and 
     21st centuries, as a consistent voice for peace and human 
     dignity: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives 
     honors the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's ascension 
     to the papacy.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. McCotter) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter).


                             General Leave

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to 
include extraneous material on H. Res. 400, the resolution now under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Michigan?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde).
  Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr.

[[Page H9695]]

McCotter) for yielding me this time and for introducing this important 
resolution, as well as for all his work and leadership on the Committee 
on International Relations.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join in the celebration of His Holiness, 
Pope John Paul II, who is marking his Silver Jubilee as the spiritual 
leader of more than one billion Catholics around the world.
  On October 16, 1978, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, the Archbishop of 
Krakow, was elected Pope. This cardinal, little known outside of his 
native Poland, addressed a crowd of over 200,000 in St. Peter's Square 
that day and emotionally expressed his fears about the awesome 
responsibility of being chosen for such a position. He also told the 
world that day, ``Be not afraid.''
  Twenty-five years ago tomorrow, he was installed as the Bishop of 
Rome and celebrated his first mass as Pope. John Paul II is the 263rd 
successor of St. Peter. He was the youngest Pope in over a century, the 
first non-Italian Pope in over 450 years, and the first Slav Pope.
  This man was formed at a remarkable time in human history. He knew 
the persecution of oppression and witnessed the false ideologies of the 
20th century. He studied for the priesthood in secrecy and lived 
through the Nazi occupation and Communist subjugation of his native 
Poland. He was a philosopher, theologian, and pastor. He was 
instrumental in the demise of the Communist regime in Poland and played 
an important role in the collapse of communism throughout central and 
Eastern Europe, which ended the Cold War.
  The Holy Father has continued to promote freedom and peace throughout 
the world during his Pontificate, a freedom based on the truth of the 
``transcendent dignity'' of each individual human person, the truth 
that every human being has a dignity that goes beyond Earthly 
advantages and accomplishments.

                              {time}  1430

  The Holy Father during his pontificate has expounded Catholic 
doctrine and the Magisterium of the Church, and has expanded the Second 
Vatican Council's engagement with modernity and modern culture. He has 
accounted for the Church's past, and has pushed Catholic teaching into 
all areas of modern life.
  Perhaps most importantly for the future, the Holy Father has truly 
internationalized the Catholic Church. Over the past 25 years, the 
number of Catholics worldwide has grown from 757 million to over a 
billion, an increase of over 40 percent. In Africa, the number of 
Catholics has increased nearly 150 percent, and in Asia, over 80 
percent. The Holy Father has internationalized the Roman Curia, 
Italians controlled half of the top 20 Vatican departments, and today 
they head only four, and the College of Cardinals, cardinals 
representing approximately 20 countries, but today represent over 60 
countries. He has traveled more extensively throughout the world, more 
than any predecessor, visiting 129 countries, and more people have seen 
this one man in person than any other human being in history.
  His Holiness has reached out in an unprecedented way to peoples of 
other beliefs and religions all over the world in an effort toward 
greater understanding, healing and harmony. He has particularly 
promoted unity among Christian churches, reconciliation with the Jewish 
people, and a dialogue with Islam. The Holy Father was the first Pope 
to visit a synagogue and the first to visit a mosque.
  His Holiness with bestowed with the Congressional Gold Medal January 
8, 2001.
  Last week during the Silver Jubilee celebrations, Cardinal Ratzinger 
recalled the new Pope's first words 25 years ago. Cardinal Ratzinger 
was speaking to the Holy Father, ``You said then that you came from a 
far-away place. But we understood right away that the faith in Jesus 
Christ that came through your words and your person overcame all 
distances.'' Through the years, he continued, you have announced God's 
will without fear, even when it contrasts with what men think and 
want.''
  I consider it an honor to be able to recognize Pope John Paul II on 
his 25th anniversary, and I ask my colleagues to join me in paying 
tribute to this devoted spiritual leader and to celebrate with the Holy 
Father this Jubilee.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and at the 
outset I want to commend my distinguished colleagues, the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) 
for their work on this important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, it is right and fitting that we in Congress offer a 
resolution to honor the 25th anniversary of John Paul II's papacy. The 
Pope is a remarkable individual whose actions in the last quarter 
century have altered the course of world events. Polish-born Karol 
Jozef Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II on October 16, 1978, a quarter 
century ago. After a long succession of Western Europeans at the head 
of the world's largest Christian denomination, he brought an 
extraordinary and historically unique perspective to his task. It was 
reflected in his first address to the people who gathered that day to 
see him in St. Peter's Square, as well as to the people of faith around 
the globe. He said, ``Be not afraid.'' This was an important message as 
the Soviet Union dominated not only his native Poland but the gigantic 
Soviet Union and all the satellites in Central and Eastern Europe. From 
that moment on, His Holiness has steadfastly used his pontificate to 
speak out against global injustices and oppression, and he has 
committed to do so until his very last breath. He is widely recognized 
as a leader not only of the Catholic Church, but as a man of great 
moral authority for the entire globe.
  In the 1980s, the Pope played a pivotal role in supporting the Polish 
Solidarity movement, which was instrumental in the downfall of 
communism in Poland and throughout Central and Eastern Europe. This, in 
turn, helped launch the chain of events that led to the dissolution of 
Stalin's empire and the end of communist domination in the eastern half 
of Europe.
  Pope John Paul has been actively involved in social justice causes of 
all kinds, speaking out against dictators in Paraguay, Chile, the 
Philippines and traveling to 125 countries to visit with government 
leaders, but more importantly, to visit with ordinary people.
  Under his leadership, the Vatican's diplomacy around the globe has 
spanned a wide range of subjects, from small arms trafficking to the 
great gulf between rich and poor in the developing world. One of his 
unique features was his steady fight against the plague of anti-
Semitism and this week when the leader of Malaysia has again raised in 
the ugliest form anti-Semitism at an international gathering, the 
important and decency of this Pope stands out in sharp contrast. The 
Pope has also welcomed tens of millions of visitors to the Vatican. My 
wife, Annette, and I were fortunate enough to have an audience with His 
Holiness. We were both impressed with his presence, his kindness, his 
wisdom and with his authority. He is one of the most influential and 
inspirational leaders of our time.
  I feel particularly close to him personally, Mr. Speaker, because he 
has survived the evils of both fascism and communism, as have I. This 
pontiff has remained a constant voice for human dignity and peace. His 
admonition to forgive was most poignantly exemplified by his 
forgiveness of the man who attempted to kill him in St. Peter's Square.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join all of us who are 
supporting this resolution to this remarkable man and to his 25 years 
of unique and exemplary service to all mankind.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley).
  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. 
McCotter) for introducing and honoring Pope John Paul II. I rise in 
strong support of this resolution, and I am grateful we are discussing 
it today, the 25th anniversary of his papacy.
  As a Roman Catholic whose grandmother came to America from Poland, 
nothing has made me or my family more proud of our heritage than has 
Pope John Paul II. For the last 25 years, he has been a constant 
reminder that everything is obtainable if you pour your heart and soul 
into the work and trust in God's guidance.

[[Page H9696]]

  Faced with adversity since his own childhood, Pope John Paul II has 
always persevered and uplifted those cast aside by society, giving them 
hope through his compassion and through his example. Whether it was 
surviving the Nazi reign in Poland, or helping heroes like Ronald 
Reagan end the grip of communism on the world, Pope John Paul II never 
met a fight that was bigger or more powerful than his vision and his 
faith.
  And while past religious beliefs were often barriers, Pope John II 
accomplished a mission to bridge those divides no matter how daunting 
the task or how deep the divide. He has elected the first non-Italian 
pontiff in 455 years. He was the first pontiff from Poland, and the 
first pontiff from a country headed by a Marxist and atheist 
government, all circumstances that would pose huge challenges for 
anyone. My Polish grandmother, who came to America, knew some of those 
same entrenched barriers and stereotypes that this great man had to 
overcome at the start of his election. But in the 25 years since that 
election, Pope John Paul II has long surmounted those challenges and 
has become the world's leading voice against oppression, tyranny and 
injustice.
  Cardinal Ratzinger said, ``You turn to young and old, rich and poor, 
powerful and humble, and always showed according to the example of 
Jesus Christ, a particular love for the poor and the defenseless.'' In 
his prayer this weekend in St. Peter's Square, ``I renew in the hands 
of Mary, beloved Mother, the gift of myself, of the present and the 
future, everything will be done according to your will. Supreme Pastor, 
stay among us so that we can proceed with you securely to the house of 
the Father.''
  Mr. Speaker, he is a real-life hero and a role model in a world that 
has far too few, and I join my colleagues in honoring Pope John Paul II 
in commemorating his 25th anniversary.
  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consumed to 
the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi).
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. 
McCotter) for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 25 years of prayer, 
compassion, and leadership of the man of prayer, Pope John Paul II. 
What a beautiful legacy and example Pope John Paul has shown in his 
deep belief in God, in the knowledge that God created us to be men and 
women of labor and love. His Holiness has become an inspirational light 
to the world, and has stood as a beacon of fight between good and evil. 
A man whose intellect and spirit is delivered to others within a warm 
conviction to consistently show love from his big Polish heart. This 
good and humble man has taught us to carve out our faith through 
prayer, a prayer in a deep, pure and humble manner, from the dirt of 
the earth, through each fiber of our being, always extolling the 
virtues of truth, forgiveness and compassion toward every living soul.
  His life demonstrates that prayer is a means of learning, growth and 
understanding, always to continually be drawn to his knees, persevering 
each day in strong heartfelt prayer.
  This simple man of prayer, of discipline, has been a Godsend these 
last 25 years, and in God's mercy, I hope he sees fit to relieve John 
Paul of some of the burden as he continues to travel along the trying 
road of life, leading people to God. Thank you, John Paul II, for the 
exceptional service to mankind you have given, and for being such a 
beautiful man of prayer.
  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Briefly, this resolution is here this week which I appreciate, but I 
would like for the ``eternal record'' to record that any delay in this 
resolution, please not be added to my sentence in purgatory should I 
get that far.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Pope John 
Paul II as the world celebrates the 25th anniversary of his ascension 
to the papacy. Born Karol Joozef Wojtylla in Wadowice, Poland in 1920, 
he entered the seminary in 1942 and was named Archbishop of Krakow in 
1964. Three years later, he became a cardinal under Pope Paul VI. Karol 
Wojtylla was named Pope John Paul II on Oct. 16, 1978.
  Pope John Paul II means many things to many people of different 
faiths, cultures and backgrounds throughout the world. Adoring crowds, 
Catholic and non-Catholic alike, meet him wherever he goes to hear his 
messages of peace and hope, especially during troubled times. As a 
child he suffered greatly from the death of his infant sister and 
mother before the age of nine, only to face the death of his older 
brother three years later. He musters strength, from these challenges 
in his childhood and an assassination attempt on his life in adulthood, 
to help others. Indeed Pope John Paul II is one of the most recognized 
people in the world for his work on human rights and humanitarian 
assistance.
  Growing up during the times of Nazi Germany, he witnessed the very 
real atrocities committed against Jews, and in Poland worked to end 
communism by sending messages and instructions with priests to 
imprisoned union leaders. He was the first pope to visit the memorial 
at Auschwitz to pay homage to the victims of the Holocaust. Pope John 
Paul II is often credited with fostering a greater understanding 
between Christians and Jews and he leads by example, being the first 
pope to ever visit a synagogue.
  Pope John Paul II is also the most traveled pope in the 2000-year 
history of the church--traveling to over 100 countries and speaking 
eight languages, he reaches out to families and citizens in need. Often 
we see pictures of the pope with sick children or ailing seniors and we 
hear his message of generosity and care towards others.
  He is a scholar. Pope John Paul II studied at an underground seminary 
to become a priest and is an accomplished author of two doctoral 
dissertations as well as numerous speeches. He taught at the Catholic 
University of Lublin--the only Catholic university in the communist 
world--and was later appointed to the Chair of Ethics at Catholic 
University before becoming an auxiliary bishop.
  Pope John Paul II is a pope of many firsts. He was the first non-
Italian pope in 455 years and at age 58 was the youngest pope in 132 
years. He met with Mikhail Gorbachev--the first meeting between a pope 
and a Kremlin chief--and also visited Cuba at the behest of Fidel 
Castro.
  As the world joins him in celebrating his 25th anniversary, I hope 
all of us can agree that Pope John Paul II is surely a man of great 
courage, conviction, bravery and integrity. He has positively impacted 
the world and the mark he leaves will surely inspire and teach 
generations to come.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 400, honoring the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's 
ascension to the papacy. I want to thank Mr. McCotter for introducing 
the resolution.
  As the successor of Peter, Pope John Paul II is the beloved leader of 
Catholics all over the world and as we celebrate his 25th anniversary, 
we pay tribute to a man whose leadership, courage and compassion is a 
model for everyone. Through the many challenges that has faced the 
Catholic Church and the world, Pope John Paul II has stood firm in his 
faith. He has been unafraid to use his influence to shape world events, 
speaking for peace and advocating for human rights. His willingness to 
reach out to the different faith traditions and his forgiveness of his 
would-be-assassin has earned him the respect of many and is an example 
for all leaders.
  Pope John Paul II has presided at 142 beatification ceremonies where 
he proclaimed 1,315 Blesseds, including Blessed Diego Luis de San 
Vitores of Guam, and 50 cannonization ceremonies resulting in 476 
Saints of the Church. He has held 8 consistories in which he created 
201 cardinals.
  During his Pontificate, 17,350,000 pilgrims have participated in the 
General Audiences. This does not include the special audiences, 
religious ceremonies and the millions of people he has met during his 
pastoral visits throughout the world. He has met with numerous 
government officials during 38 official visits and the 700 audiences 
and meetings held with Heads of State and the 231 audiences and 
meetings with Prime Ministers.
  The people of Guam were honored when Pope John Paul II chose to visit 
Guam in 1981 at the invitation of Archbishop Anthony Apuron. Many 
people camped overnight in streets and parking lots near the plaza 
where he was to say mass. For many, this would be their only 
opportunity to see him. Tens of thousands of people attended the 
service. It was an awesome sight to see everyone, children with their 
parents and grandparents, religious and government leaders, gathered to 
celebrate mass with the Holy Father. It was a day that will never be 
forgotten by the people of Guam.
  On behalf of the people of Guam, I fully support House Resolution 
400, honoring the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's ascension of 
the papacy.
  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.

[[Page H9697]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Boozman). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 400, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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