| Statement: On the Passing of Pope John Paul II | |
Statement From The Office of
President Bill Clinton April 2, 2005 "Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. In speaking powerfully and eloquently for mercy and reconciliation to people divided by old hatreds and persecuted by abuse of power, the Holy Father was a beacon of light not just for Catholics, but for all people. In more than 170 visits to over 115 countries, from the Balkans to the Middle East, from Central Africa to Asia, he was tireless in his efforts to defend human rights and human dignity. His remarkable journey from Wadowice, Poland to the Vatican played an important role in hastening the downfall of Communism. I will always treasure our five meetings in the U.S and the Vatican, especially the deep concern His Holiness expressed over the suffering of the Bosnians and of religious liberty throughout the world." His Holiness is now at home with God, whom he served so faithfully for a lifetime." |
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