Pelosi Statement on Canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the Canonization of Pope John XIII and Pope John Paul II:

"Catholics the world over are rejoicing at the approaching canonization of two great leaders of the church – men of courage and compassion who left an indelible mark on our faith and our world.

"Pope John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council, welcoming the faithful more deeply into our church and our liturgy. He urged peace in the darkest hours of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and took critical steps to heal relations with the Jewish community worldwide. In that same tradition and spirit, Pope John Paul II spoke with a clear and powerful voice on behalf of all peoples yearning for freedom and justice, traveling to the far corners of globe to deliver the goodness of his word.

"These Popes' messages of peace and hope lift our hearts and strengthen our souls. As Pope Francis leads the canonization ceremony in St. Peter's Square on Divine Mercy Sunday, I join with my fellow Catholics, and people of all faiths, in celebrating their inspiring leadership and this historic occasion. For this joyous ceremony, Congress could have no more fitting representative than Congressman Xavier Becerra, and I am especially proud President Obama has named him to the Presidential Delegation."

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