WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) released the following statement today on the passing of Pope John Paul II. Rep. Hoyer will join the Congressional Delegation traveling to Rome tonight to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II on Friday.
“Pope John Paul II was an extraordinary world citizen who made a tremendous impact during the course of his lifetime on the Catholic Church, and particularly on the international community as he confronted communism in his home, Poland.
“He was a model of moral consistency who stood by his principles and argued for them persuasively to the world. He stood up for the values of his church, and particularly the poor and those who needed assistance around the world. Pope John Paul II was a man of great moral integrity and will long be remembered throughout the world.”