President Obama issues statement on papal canonizations
April 30, 2014
President Barack Obama has issued a statement on the canonizations of St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II.
“The work and witness of both Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II shaped not only the Catholic Church but the world,” he said. “Pope John XXIII articulated powerful roles for the Church in the cause of global peace and justice, and by convening the Second Vatican Council he revolutionized not only aspects of worship but the Catholic Church’s relationship with other faith communities.”
“Pope John Paul II helped inspire the Solidarity movement in Poland, a movement that spread and eventually helped to end communism in Eastern Europe, and he spoke out forcefully against apartheid in South Africa and genocide in Rwanda, President Obama continued. “He had a special rapport with young people, drawing many of them to the Church’s work and teachings.”
“We celebrate these Saints and the leadership of His Holiness Pope Francis, and we look forward to continuing to work with Pope Francis and Catholics around the world to advance peace and justice for all people,” he concluded.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: jg23753479 -
May. 01, 2014 11:02 AM ET USA
“The work and witness of both Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II shaped not only the Catholic Church but the world.” From the evidence, it's clear they didn't shape Obama's world very much.
-
Posted by: polish.pinecone4371 -
Apr. 30, 2014 7:53 PM ET USA
And the reason we care about what he has to say is....?
-
Posted by: TheJournalist64 -
Apr. 30, 2014 7:42 PM ET USA
Who cares what he thinks? I guess he figured he couldn't ignore such an event.
-
Posted by: I am Canadian! -
Apr. 30, 2014 8:28 AM ET USA
Why did he even bother?
