Reps. Sak, Spade, O'Neil, LaJoy, Paletko, Brandenburg, Pastor, Nofs, Farrah, Amos, Robertson, Casperson, Pappageorge, Kooiman, Sheen, Caul, Hoogendyk, Vander Veen, Dennis, Rivet, Farhat, Shackleton, Shulman, Byrum, Huizenga, Plakas, Garfield, Gleason, Wojno, Accavitti, Koetje, Caswell, Steil, Sheltrown, Bieda, Drolet, Jamnick, Acciavatti, Adamini, Brown, Daniels, DeRossett, Ehardt, Elkins, Gieleghem, Gillard, Howell, Hummel, Lipsey, Middaugh, Minore, Nitz, Palsrok, Pumford, Stahl, Stewart, Voorhees, Waters, Zelenko, Clack, Hager, Murphy, Palmer, Rocca, Stakoe, Stallworth, Vagnozzi and Woronchak offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 149.

            A resolution recognizing the 25^th anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II.

            Whereas, Thursday, October 16, 2003, marks the 25^th anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II; and

            Whereas, There will be celebrations throughout the world honoring the Holy Father; and

            Whereas, Pope John Paul II’s pontificate has been one of the longest in history and among the most prolific.  The Pope has issued 14 encyclicals, preached on five continents during his 100 trips outside the Vatican, released a prayer CD and written several best-selling books; and

            Whereas, Pope John Paul II was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2000, Public Law 160-250, approved July 27, 2000; and

            Whereas, Pope John Paul II was instrumental in inspiring the solidarity movement, which later was recognized for the downfall of Communism throughout Eastern Europe; and

            Whereas, Pope John Paul II has been described as a universal shepherd to world leaders who can bring moral support or stinging criticism; and

            Whereas, Non-Christians around the globe have welcomed him as a holy guest and poor nations consider him their advocate in the halls of power; and

            Whereas, For nearly all people he has been a voice of conscience on issues like war, abortion and the death penalty; and

            Whereas, Christians throughout the world celebrate and mark this anniversary with sincere gratitude; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize and celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II.