U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) is traveling to Rome with the official Congressional Delegation to celebrate Pope John Paul II’s life and mourn his passing. Rep. Smith, who is a lifelong Catholic, called Pope John Paul II, “the most extraordinary Pope in modern times, perhaps since St. Peter himself.” About 25 Members of the House of Representatives will be attending the Pope’s funeral. Smith is the only New Jersey Representative in the bipartisan delegation. 

    Smith met the Pope on several occasions, here in the United States and in Rome, during Pope John Paul II’s 26 years as pontiff. “I drew such inspiration from him. Everything about him was transparent and honest, he radiated with Christ wherever he went. When you were around him, you felt you were truly in the presence of holiness and sanctity,” said Smith.

    The Congressional Delegation leaves for the Friday funeral this evening after Congressional business is completed. The federal delegation will also include President Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and former Presidents Bush and Clinton. 

    Smith praised the Pontiff for inspiring the Solidarity Movement and for his exemplary human rights work particularly in Europe, where he was a leader in the efforts to end communism. Smith called the Pope, “a promoter of a culture of life and a millennium force.” Smith said, “Pope John Paul II recognized that human rights can transcend national sovereignty and that everyone receives their dignity, truth, and goodness from God. The Pontiff’s charisma and steadfast faith helped him promote peace, human rights, and religious freedom giving hope to millions of people from all faiths and nationalities.” 

    Pope John Paul II was known to have an incredible relationship with young people. Smith called John Paul II, a Pope of the children who had a special place in the hearts of our young people.” As a way of reaching out to youth, Pope John Paul II established World Youth Day in 1986, a celebration that has set the stage for millions of young people from throughout the world to gather together over the last 20 years. 

    The official bipartisan Congressional Delegation will return from Rome on Saturday, April 9, 2005.