[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 51 (Monday, April 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING POPE BENEDICT XVI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 25, 2005

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, as people of many faiths around the world 
celebrate the historic election of Pope Benedict XVI, we look toward 
His Holiness for faith and inspiration in addressing today's challenges 
and opportunities for peace and progress.
  News of the Pontiff's election was greeted with great enthusiasm by 
many in the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois, home to St. 
Benedict Parish on Chicago's Northwest side. The dedicated parishioners 
of St. Benedict are delighted that the Pope has selected the name of 
their patron saint and thus feel a special connection to him.
  Since the sixth century, the Benedictine tradition reflected 
austerity and continuous pursuit of knowledge. These principles formed 
the cornerstone of Saint Benedict Parish, which was founded on the 
Northwest side of Chicago in 1902. The new parish was created to serve 
as an educational center for the area's burgeoning German Catholic 
population. Pope Benedict XVI, a longtime and learned university 
professor, has demonstrated a life-long commitment to excellence, 
wholly fitting the tradition of his namesake.
  The Fifth District is also home to many people who share German 
ancestry with Pope Benedict XVI, who was born in Marktl am Inn, 
Germany. The parishioners of St. Benedict, St. Alphonsus and others 
have reason to be proud of the first Pope of German ancestry in nearly 
a millennium.
  Pope Benedict XVI is endowed with great vision, intellect, and 
knowledge of the Church's rich history and tradition. He is further 
blessed by long service and loyalty to His Holiness, the late Pope John 
Paul II, whose divine wisdom and charisma set a shining example of 
leadership and guidance for all who follow him.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the parishioners of St. Benedict, St. 
Alphonsus and indeed all of Chicago, I wish Pope Benedict XVI good 
health, longevity and success as the Bishop of Rome and leader of the 
Roman Catholic Church.

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