[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 169 (Thursday, November 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 URGING THE PRESIDENT TO PRESENT THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO 
                    HIS HOLINESS, POPE JOHN PAUL II

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                               speech of

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2003

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor His Holiness Pope John Paul 
II as Roman Catholics throughout the world celebrate his Silver Jubilee 
anniversary this year.
  The resolution before us, H. Con. Res. 313, recognizes the Pope for 
his enduring and historic contributions to human dignity and peace and 
urges President Bush to present him with the Presidential Medal of 
Freedom.
  I can think of no more fitting a tribute to Pope John Paul II, our 
first ever non-Italian pope, in honoring his 25th year as Bishop of 
Rome and Supreme Pastor of the Catholic Church. His service began on 
October 22, 1978.
  As the spiritual leader of more than one billion Catholic Christians 
worldwide, including 66 million in the United States alone, the 
resolution memorializes the gratitude of many. During his tenure he has 
visited more than 125 countries and traveled more than 750,000 miles 
making unprecedented contributions to the freedom of the world 
community.
  The Holy Father's remarkable work has been globally reaching--from 
his diplomatic leadership toward the peaceful liberation of his Polish 
homeland and demise of the Soviet empire, to his promotion of human 
rights in rogue nations, to his efforts to heal historic divisions 
between the Catholic Church and other worldwide religions.
  Mr. Speaker, whether you are Catholic or not, no one can deny the 
significant impact Pope John Paul II has made on world peace and 
freedom. His efforts have improved the lives of Christians and non-
Christians alike.
  I urge my colleagues to support this special resolution for the 
honored accomplishments of His Holiness Pope John Paul II--a positive 
inspiration to Catholics and all humankind.

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