[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 2005

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
express my condolences on the passing of Pope John Paul II. For 
families such as mine, the Pope represented a connection with the 
larger human community. We felt blessed by his faith, compassion, and 
the simplicity that he preached in words and deed, As a public figure 
he not only represented the Roman Catholic Church, but also was a 
symbol of liberation and strength. Pope John Paul II embodied the 
spiritual virtue of innocence that allows us, as humans to be loved, 
respected, and forgiven.
  My district, the 47th Congressional District of California, is home 
to many practicing Catholics who followed and believed in Pope John 
Paul II, as my family and I did. The Pope was an amazing example of one 
man who strengthened the hearts and souls of people. John Paul's trust 
and belief in us, allowed us to trust and believe in others,
  John Paul II visited the state of California twice in his life, once 
in 1976, as Cardinal and the second time in 1987, as Pope. By way of 
his many travels around the world, he reached out to people, regardless 
of race, religion, or politics. Pope John Paul II was a leader in 
uniting nations and people. He believed that through love, we can 
attain understanding, which can conquer the divisions that still plague 
the world today. The Pope saw Christian faith as truly Catholic, as 
truly universal:
  ``. . .Christ is Anglo and Hispanic, Christ is Chinese and black, 
Christ is Vietnamese and Irish, Christ is Korean and Italian, Christ is 
Japanese and Filipino, Christ is native American, Croatian, Samoan, and 
many other ethnic groups. . .''
  Up to his final days, through his great personal suffering, he 
maintained his dignity. The passing of Pope John Paul II is a great 
loss to the global community. He will be missed and his memory will be 
kept sacred in our hearts.

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