[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE JOHN PAUL II 
              AND EXPRESSING PROFOUND SORROW ON HIS DEATH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2005

  Ms. SCHWARTZ of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, April 2nd, 
2005 the world lost a great leader, a champion of peace and a beacon of 
hope to so many.
  The life of Pope John Paul II exemplified the virtues and duties of 
the faith he so devoutly taught. As a young man, he fought oppression 
by defying the Nazi regime to secretly study the teachings of his 
faith. As a priest, he fought for freedom by defying the Communist 
regime of Poland to teach the cherished values of Catholicism. As the 
Holy Father, he worked to end tyranny throughout the world.
  After surviving an attempt on his life, John Paul II--with 
unparalleled compassion and mercy--beseeched humanity to ``Pray for the 
brother who shot me, whom I have sincerely forgiven.'' Yet, just as his 
willingness to forgive was unmatched, so were his efforts to unite the 
global community.
  As the world's leading arbiter of peace, John Paul II rejected 
efforts to use religion as a barrier or as a reason for war, instead 
using it as a bridge to bring people of different faiths together.
  He traveled the world more than any other Pope, preaching non-
violence and mediating conflicts.
  He reached out to the most vulnerable--the sick, impoverished and 
abandoned children--never letting religion determine who to care for 
and help.
  He unambiguously rejected anti-Semitism, asking for forgiveness for 
past Christian intolerances to Jews and courageously recognizing the 
state of Israel.
  The world will forever be grateful for the conviction with which John 
Paul II served and led. And, he will be missed by the people of all 
faiths and of all regions. Through his love and service to God he 
served billions of Catholics, but through his love and service of 
humanity he served us all.

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