Mr. Speaker:

I rise today to honor His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

As the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, Karol Wojtyla would have drawn distinction no matter what his papacy held.  However, as the 264th pope, he proved to be a remarkable and historic leader.  

Perhaps it was the very nature of the Holy Father's upbringing - the personal tragedies he underwent as a youth, as well as his first-hand experiences with the totalitarianism of Nazism, then Communism - that shaped his world view and enabled him to serve as pope with such zeal and commitment.

His life began in a world of biplanes and horse-drawn carriages, continued through the advent of spaceflight and nuclear bombs, and ended in a "global neighborhood" made possible by personal computers and instant communications.  Perhaps only someone with these experiences could have appropriately taken on the challenges of the 21st Century in such a dynamic and tireless manner.

His worldwide travel, where he gained the attention of people of many faiths and embraced Catholics on all continents, will constitute a lasting legacy.  Many Americans witnessed in person the strength of his convictions and dedication to his mission during the Holy Father's seven historic visits to the United States.  In 1987, he honored my home city of Los Angeles with a visit that Angelinos still talk about. Those arduous travels, even during his years of declining health, demonstrated his faithful commitment and perseverance.

Pope John Paul II was an inspiration to all generations throughout his 26-year reign.  He inspired in us a sense of hope that encouraged us to live better, fuller lives.  He reached out to the world's youth and taught them the value of integrity, courage, honesty, and forgiveness.  

And despite the many challenges the Church faced during his papacy, he was admired for his resoluteness, even as Catholics around the world reacted in numerous ways to his direction of the church.

John Paul II was not just the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.  He was a world leader who actively shaped world affairs including negotiating peace treaties and helping to ensure the end of communism in Europe.  He reasserted the Church's role on the world stage and was a global champion on issues of conscience, social justice, and peace.  The tremendous outpouring of sorrow throughout the world since the Pontiff's death is further testament to the impact of his ministry.

Mr. Speaker, the "Shoes of the Fisherman" are empty, and I extend my sincere sympathy to all the Los Angeles-area Catholics, including Roger Cardinal Mahoney, who are among those worldwide who mourn the Pontiff's passing.

Pope John Paul II's life of service was a life well lived, and he will be remembered in the hearts and minds of the people he touched around the globe for many generations to come.