Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today joined President George W. Bush in issuing a proclamation in honor and remembrance of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

The following is the text of the Governor’s official proclamation:

Whereas:          Karol Józef Wojtyla was born in Wadowice, Poland, on May 18, 1920; and

Whereas:          Cardinal Karol Józef Wojtyla was elected successor to Pope John Paul I, on October 16, 1978, the 264th Pope of the Catholic Church and took the name John Paul II; and

Whereas:          His Holiness Pope John Paul II has encountered more individuals than any other Pope. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences. Such a figure is without counting all other special audiences and religious ceremonies held (more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone) and the millions of faithful met during pastoral visits made in Italy and throughout the world. It must also be remembered the numerous government personalities encountered during 38 official visits and in the 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and even the 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers; and

Whereas:          His Holiness Pope John Paul II died from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease on Saturday, April 2, 2005, in his Vatican City apartment; and

Whereas:          His Holiness Pope John Paul II will be remembered for his role in the collapse of communism in Europe and his unyielding defense of traditional Vatican doctrines as leader of the world’s 1.1 billion Catholics; and

Whereas:          While the loss of His Holiness Pope John Paul II brings great sadness, it is also a time to be grateful for a simple and humble life that touched the entire world; and

Whereas:          During a time of rapid change, His Holiness Pope John Paul II faithfully embodied eternal values and his legacy of service and faith should inspire us all.

Now, Therefore, I, Tim Pawlenty, Governor of Minnesota, join President George W. Bush, and do hereby order all U.S. and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at the Minnesota State Capitol, and all public buildings and grounds until sunset on the day of his interment, in honor and remembrance of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.