[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 36 (Monday, September 8, 1997)]
[Page 1285]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Death of Mother Teresa

September 5, 1997

    With the passing of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the world has lost 
one of the giants of our time. She gave comfort to the poor, the 
suffering, and the dying, and served as an inspiration and a challenge 
to all of us.
    Hers was a ministry of action--of passion and compassion. She led by 
serving, and showed us the stunning power of simple humility. Her 
unconquerable faith touched the lives of millions of people in India, 
here in the United States, and all around the world. I had the pleasure 
of meeting Mother Teresa when she came to Washington, and I was moved by 
her conviction and courage. Hillary had the privilege of working with 
Mother Teresa and her community to open a home for abandoned babies in 
Washington, and later Hillary and Chelsea had the opportunity to witness 
firsthand the work of Mother Teresa and her community in India.
    The home for the dying she opened in Calcutta almost a half century 
ago is called Nirmal Hriday--``pure heart''--and if ever there was a 
pure heart, it was hers. Mother Teresa is gone, but as the Gospels teach 
us, these things endure: faith, hope, and love. She had them in 
abundance. They will stay with us always.