[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 61 (Thursday, April 17, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H2469-H2470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1430
                      WELCOMING POPE BENEDICT XVI

  (Mr. GINGREY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1

[[Page H2470]]

minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GINGREY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to welcome Pope Benedict XVI 
to our Nation's Capital as part of his official papal visit to the 
United States. During this 6-day trip to Washington, D.C. and New York 
City, the Holy Father, who serves as a wondrous example of faith and 
leadership, will help Catholics and all Christians renew their faith by 
delivering mass to tens of thousands of people.
  I was honored to have the opportunity to attend mass with the Holy 
Father at the new Nationals Stadium here in D.C. this morning. And, 
Madam Speaker, it was truly a blessed event.
  Despite his relatively short tenure, Pope Benedict XVI has emerged as 
a vocal and effective leader for Catholics throughout the world. Over 
the past 3 years, His Holiness has stressed the need for a return to 
fundamental Christian values in response to what many see as the 
world's sloping trend toward secularism.
  As Pope, he has focused on the importance and sanctity of human life, 
especially the life of the unborn, an issue that's very important to 
me, both as a member of the Catholic Church and as a Member of 
Congress. But every American, regardless of party affiliation or 
religious belief can find hope in his message of freedom and justice 
for all people.
  Madam Speaker, as a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in 
Marietta, Georgia, I humbly welcome Pope Benedict XVI to the United 
States as he continues to spread his message of faith, love and service 
in Christ.

                          ____________________