Madeleine Bordallo: “Today I join with fellow Catholics around the world in mourning the death of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. The…”

“Today I join with fellow Catholics around the world in mourning the death of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. The world has seen the passing of a great man dedicated to peace throughout the world. His actions reflected his preaching of love, healing and forgiveness, advocating for peace and reaching out to other faith traditions. Despite turmoil and controversy, he held fast to his beliefs, gaining the respect of many around the world, even those who did not agree with him. His teachings will be remembered by millions and his influence will guide world leaders for years to come. Throughout his ministry, he remained firm in his beliefs, leading by word and deed, fearless in his efforts to spread the Gospel of Christ. He believed in the inalienable right and dignity of the human person from conception through the moment of death. He was unafraid to shape world events, speaking passionately for peace and advocating for human rights. From his early years during the Nazi occupation of Poland where he risked his life to protect Polish Jews from persecution to his forgiveness of his would-be assassin, he has led by example, in faith and humility. His steadfast support of the Solidarity movement in his homeland of Poland provided hope and encouragement to the Polish people and led to peaceful government reforms that precipitated the collapse of communism in Poland and the eventual fall of the Soviet Union, bringing freedom to millions of people.”