[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 49 (Thursday, April 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO POPE BENEDICT XVI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2005

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a man who embodies 
the values of strength and wisdom. Seventeen days after Pope John Paul 
II sadly succumbed to illnesses related to Parkinson's disease, the 
Catholic community and the world witnessed the ascension of a new 
leader, former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, to the papacy.
  Today, I join millions of Catholics around the world in celebrating 
the election of Pope Benedict XVI and know that His Holiness will 
continue to lead our church with the integrity and compassion exhibited 
by the dearly departed Pope John Paul II.
  Since 1981, Pope Benedict XVI has led the Congregation for the 
Doctrine of the Faith where his deep-seated religious beliefs played an 
enormous role in stabilizing the Catholic Church and community. He was 
a close confidant of Pope John Paul II and is known to all as a 
respected scholar and teacher of the Catholic faith.
  For over 54 years, Pope Benedict XVI has dedicated himself to his God 
and his creed. He studied at St. Michael's seminary in Traunstein, 
Germany in the 1940s and believes intimately in church doctrine and the 
orthodoxy of Catholicism. As the first German pope since the 11th 
century, he will continue the legacy of advocating for peace, social 
justice, and the dignity of the human spirit.
  Pope Benedict is a steadfast believer in religious freedom and 
respect among all people of this world. He has a vision of how the 
Catholic Church will shape our world and future and will teach with 
humility and lead with grace.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud the Church for their decision to elect Pope 
Benedict XVI to this special and divine position. I am happy to have 
him as my spiritual leader and guide and hope that others will 
celebrate the new pope of the Catholic Church.

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