Mr. Speaker, like many Canadians, residents in my Sault Ste. Marie riding this weekend mourned the death and celebrated the life of Pope John Paul II.
This Pope was an extraordinary man of faith, intellect and prayer. He inspired so many of us in working tirelessly for social justice and for peace throughout the world.
I will remember particularly his solidarity with workers as he spoke up for just, social and economic conditions in the workplace.
He was a voice for genuine fellowship with other world religions.
Pope John Paul II is credited with helping to begin the process of democratization of in eastern Europe.
I know Pope John Paul II holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians.
As a Catholic, I was moved by his personal example of reconciliation in forgiving the man who tried to kill him and by his historic apology in 2000 for past misdeeds of the church.
I want to express my deepest condolences to Catholic Canadians, the faithful around the world and to people everywhere who have been touched by the exceptional life of Pope John Paul II.