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Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient
His Holiness Pope John Paul II
Remarks on the Death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II April 2, 2005
Pope John Paul II speaks after he was honored with the Medal of Freedom in June 2004, presented during his audience with President George W. Bush and Laura Bush. White House photo by Eric Draper
Vatican Funeral of His Holiness Pope John Paul II, April 8, 2005
April 2, 2005
President's Statement on the Death of Pope John Paul II
The Cross Hall
4:02 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Laura and I join people across the Earth in mourning the passing of Pope John Paul II. The Catholic Church has lost its shepherd, the world has lost a champion of human freedom, and a good and faithful servant of God has been called home.
Pope John Paul II left the throne of St. Peter in the same way he ascended to it -- as a witness to the dignity of human life. In his native Poland, that witness launched a democratic revolution that swept Eastern Europe and changed the course of history. Throughout the West, John Paul's witness reminded us of our obligation to build a culture of life in which the strong protect the weak. And during the Pope's final years, his witness was made even more powerful by his daily courage in the face of illness and great suffering.
 All Popes belong to the world, but Americans had special reason to love the man from Krakow. In his visits to our country, the Pope spoke of our "providential" Constitution, the self-evident truths about human dignity in our Declaration, and the "blessings of liberty" that follow from them. It is these truths, he said, that have led people all over the world to look to America with hope and respect.
Pope John Paul II was, himself, an inspiration to millions of Americans, and to so many more throughout the world. We will always remember the humble, wise and fearless priest who became one of history's great moral leaders. We're grateful to God for sending such a man, a son of Poland, who became the Bishop of Rome, and a hero for the ages.
END 4:04 P.M. EST
April 2, 2005
President Bush Orders Flags Flown at Half Staff in Honor of Pope John Paul II
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
As a mark of respect for His Holiness Pope John Paul II, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on the day of his interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert Mourns the Death of Pope John Paul II
WASHINGTON, April 2, 2005 -- House Speaker Dennis Hastert today released the following statement regarding the death of Pope John Paul II:
"I was saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness.
"For over 25 years, Pope John Paul II traveled the globe preaching the same message of peace and hope to people in different languages and different cultures, regardless of economic background or political persuasion.
"I had the high honor of meeting Pope John Paul II in January 2001 when I led a Congressional Delegation to the Vatican to present him with the Congressional Gold Medal. It was one of the most memorable and touching experiences of my life. We were told the Pope would only be available for fifteen minutes. We limited our remarks and listened to his from a prepared text. Then he went off text and talked for quite a while in a very heartfelt way. As he was leaving-after nearly an hour-he turned back around and said, 'God bless America.' I was truly moved.
"Pope John Paul II was a healer and a beacon of light around the world advocating for the poor, the oppressed and the unborn. He was and continues to be an inspiration to not only the 1 billion members of the Catholic Church but also to all other people of faith around the world. From the Middle East to the former Soviet Union and beyond, he will be remembered for his respect for life and liberty and his message of peace.
"No one in recent times has worked harder for the greater good of his fellow man than Pope John Paul II. Because of his work, the world is left a better place."
Contact: Ron Bonjean for House Speaker Dennis Hastert, 202-225-2800
___ A Papal Portrait ___
 Audio Photo Gallery
A look at the life of Pope John Paul II, narrated by The Washington Post's Alan Cooperman.
Short Biography of His Holiness Pope John Paul II
Events in the life of Pope John Paul II
James Sensenbrenner Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Urging
President Bush to Award Pope John Paul II the Presidential Medal of Freedom
His Holiness Pope John Paul II is also a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal,
the highest honor bestowed by the United States Congress
Much more on the life of His Holiness Pope John Paul II in story and photos
Return to Pope John Paul II Medal of Freedom Homepage
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Medal History
