WASHINGTON –   Today, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany was selected as the 265^th Pope, taking the name Benedict XVI. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) offered the following statement on the Vatican’s selection:

“I am pleased to see the Vatican has chosen another remarkable man of faith as the new Pope. I was fortunate enough to be among the small delegation of Congressional Members to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II where Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger beautifully delivered the homily. I believe that as Pope Benedict XVI, he will follow in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II in following and interpreting the doctrine of the Church.”

Background:

Stupak, is a 7-term Pro-Life Democrat whose strong Catholic faith stems from his parents.  His father had studied to become a priest until he changed his mind less than a year before ordination.   Stupak is an active member and past President of the Congressional Prayer Breakfast and a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Menominee, MI.

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Note: Column and Picture by Congressman Bart Stupak on Pope John Paul II’s funeral included below.

POPE JOHN PAUL II: A LEGACY TO LEARN FROM

By Congressman Bart Stupak

At a time when conflicts between cultures, religions, nations and regions result in sometimes devastating outcomes and war, Pope John Paul II was a man who reached out to embrace those differences to promote peace and freedom. As an individual and religious leader, he changed the world through his values and leadership.

The Pope demonstrated he was a universal pastor to all people. Being selected by the House leadership to attend the Pope’s funeral is the highlight of my pilgrimage as a Roman Catholic, my career as a public servant, and my personal life as a father, husband and friend.

To personally witness other faiths come together to actively participate and bless this Holy Man was remarkable. As I walked up to the alter at St. Peter’s Basilica to view the body of Pope John Paul, it occurred to me that the last time I saw the Pope in person was the Easter Vigil in 1999 when my wife Laurie and I were able to attend Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. It was a sad but humbling experience to have witnessed his liveliness and energy as he said that Easter Vigil Mass and now stand before him, seeking strength in his peace. 

It reinforces one’s faith that great leadership can overcome worldwide conflict when you see one man’s work bringing together three great religions; Christianity, Judaism, and Islam- to honor his memory. While the funeral service was delivered mainly in Latin, messages were said in Swahili, Chinese, and, his native Polish language. The ceremony paid tribute to Pope John Paul’s legacy through a service that exemplified the energy of his leadership, the diversity to which he was so committed, and the values he taught us through example.

For me, the most stirring moment of the funeral was when they were preparing to bring the Pope’s body back into St. Peter’s Basilica. They tipped the casket for one last look at the amazing, universal Pope John Paul II. There was not a dry eye as far as I could see. There we were, Members of the House of Representatives and Senate, the Parliament of Canada and legislative bodies from other countries, all struck by this most memorable moment. At that instance more than any other, I could not have been more honored to represent the United States and our diverse faiths that respected Pope John Paul II’s life so deeply. He had a love for people and people loved him. Our reaction to that last look was silent testimony as to what Pope John Paul II meant to all of us separately and as part of the faith.

As Pope John Paul II departs his life here on earth, I rest assured that he looks upon us all, guiding us to continue on in our faith with devotion and energy and respect each individual with humility and kindness. As Catholics move forward, we must be committed to embracing the differences of those around us, showing the unconditional compassion that is the legacy of his leadership. It is at that point we can do our part to celebrate Pope John Paul II’s legacy each day.