[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2107]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 20, 2003

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 400 to 
honor the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II.
  Karol Jozef Wojtyla, known as John Paul II since his October 1978 
election to the papacy, is one of the most famous and beloved people on 
Earth. Inspiring hundreds of millions of people including those beyond 
the Catholic faith to strive for world peace and prosperity, John Paul 
II has counseled religious and world leaders during 38 official visits 
and 700 audiences held with Heads of State.
  The hallmark of John Paul II's leadership has been his message of 
hope, reconciliation and redemption. His indelible mark on the world is 
an unshakable faith in human goodness and benevolence, and the 
advancement of peace, forgiveness and human rights for people of all 
faiths.
  In his book ``Crossing the Threshold of Hope,'' John Paul II wrote 
that ``Man affirms himself most completely by giving of himself. This 
is the fulfillment of the commandment of love.'' His constant and 
selfless commitment to peace and dedication to all mankind during his 
extraordinary 25 year papacy is why we should honor him as a living 
example of ``the commandment of love.''
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, including 112,000 Polish 
Americans and 131,000 Catholics in the Fifth Congressional District of 
Illinois, I join my colleagues in paying tribute to Pope John Paul II.

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