House of Representatives lauds pope on his 25th anniversary

Published: 2003-10-21

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. House of Representatives lauded Pope John Paul II Oct. 20 with a resolution honoring the 25th anniversary of his election to the papacy. The resolution passed unanimously, 382-0. "Pope John Paul II has used his pontificate in unique fashion, emerging as more than just the leader of the Catholic Church, but a global voice against communism, oppression, and tyranny; working in both public and private, to exercise his influence against the forces of injustice," the resolution said. The pope "has welcomed more than 16 million pilgrims in the general audiences which were held weekly at the Vatican; and met with tens of millions of the faithful during pastoral visits made in Italy and throughout the world, including more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone," it added. The resolution also noted the pope's prolific writings. In the Senate, Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., issued a statement Oct. 17 honoring the pope. "Billions around the world have been blessed by the pope's goodness and drive, his sincere love for the individual, and his determination to reconnect human endeavor to its higher purpose," Frist said.

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