Press Office

April 2005

FOR RELEASE:
Saturday, April 2, 2005

CONTACT:
Dan Hopkins 303-866-6324
Mark Salley 303-866-6323

OWENS STATEMENT REGARDING THE DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

(DENVER) - Gov. Bill Owens issued the following statement regarding the passing of Pope John Paul II.

"Pope John Paul II was an advocate for justice, an ally of peace and a guardian of freedom. Though his body may have succumbed, his spirit and his legacy will continue to guide us.

"His life was dedicated to the elimination of oppression. His crusade against Communism in the former Soviet Union still stands today as the paradigm of peaceful conquest over tyranny. His advocacy was not for a revolution of violence, but rather a revolution of ideas. So strong was his resolve that the effects were felt in highest levels of the Communist regime.

"The Pope was a man who transcended Catholicism. His message of love reached across the borders of language, nationality and religion, touching each and every one of us. Personally, I mourn Pope John Paul II not only as a Catholic but as a human being - one among the millions of people whose lives were touched by this noble Vicar.

"Today we mourn. But we mourn with a smile - a smile in remembrance of a life lived in the name of peace."