[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 43 (Wednesday, April 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E636-E637]
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. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2005

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor His Holiness 
Pope John Paul II.
  As the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, Karol Wojtyla would have 
drawn distinction no matter what his papacy held. However, his 26-year 
reign as the 264th pope has proven to be a remarkable and historic 
papacy.

[[Page E637]]

  Perhaps it was the very nature of the Holy Father's upbringing--the 
personal tragedies he underwent as a youth, as well as his first-hand 
experiences with the totalitarianism of Nazism, then Communism--that 
shaped his world view and enabled him to serve as pope with such zeal 
and commitment.
  His was a lifespan that began in a world of biplanes and horse-drawn 
carriages, saw the advent of spaceflight and nuclear bombs, and ended 
in a ``global neighborhood'' made possible by personal computers and 
instant communications. Perhaps only someone with these experiences 
could have appropriately taken on the challenges of the 21st Century in 
such a dynamic and tireless manner.
  His worldwide travel, where he gained the attention of people of many 
faiths and embraced Catholics on all continents, will constitute a 
lasting legacy. Many Americans witnessed, first hand, the strength of 
his conviction and dedication to his mission during the Holy Father's 7 
historic visits to the United States. In 1987 he honored my home city 
of Los Angeles with a visit that Angelinos still talk about. Those 
arduous travels, even during his years of declining health, 
demonstrated the importance of perseverance and faithful struggle.
  Pope John Paul II was an inspiration to all generations throughout 
his 26-year reign. He inspired in us a sense of hope and self worth 
that encouraged us to live better, fuller lives. He reached out to the 
world's youth and taught them the value of integrity, courage, honesty, 
and forgiveness.
  And despite the many challenges the Church faced during his papacy, 
he was admired for his resoluteness, even as Catholics around the world 
reacted in numerous ways to his direction of the church.
  John Paul II was not just the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, 
however, he was a world leader, and he actively shaped world affairs 
including negotiating peace treaties and helping ensure the end of 
European Communism. He reasserted the Church's role on the world stage 
and was a global champion on issues of conscience, social justice, and 
peace. The tremendous outpouring of genuine sorrow throughout the world 
since the Pontiff's death is a testament to the impact his ministry had 
on people of all continents and all faiths.
  Mr. Speaker, the ``Shoes of the Fisherman'' are empty, and I extend 
my sincere sympathy to my constituents, including Roger Cardinal 
Mahoney, all Los Angeles-area Catholics and all people of good will who 
mourn the Pontiff's passing.
  Pope John Paul II's life of service was a life well lived, and it 
will be remembered in the hearts and minds of the people he touched 
around the globe for many generations to come.

                          ____________________