POPE JOHN PAUL II 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Early day motion 1754, tabled 15 October 2003 by Kevin McNamara (Labour). Signed by 47 members.

That this House congratulates his Holiness Pope John Paul II on the 25th anniversary of his election ; notes that Pope John Paul II has endured the horrors of Nazi occupation, communist tyranny and an assassination attempt to become a tireless promoter of universal human rights and one of the outstanding figures of our times; applauds his teaching on social justice, the dignity of the human person, religious freedom, the challenge of materialism in Western life, the environment, third world debt, marriage and family life and many other issues; recognises that during his pontificate he has made over 100 overseas trips in an unrelenting pursuit of ecumenical and inter-religious reconciliation, dialogue, and world peace, particularly in the Middle East and Northern Ireland; salutes the stand he has taken in seeking the protection of the rights of the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society; and, in his infirmity and frailty, sends the greetings of this House and its thanks and appreciation for all that he represents.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, Conservative 15, Liberal Democrat 6, Labour/Co-operative 3.