IV 

113TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 120 

A resolution commemorating the life and service of Benedict XVI, Pope 

Emeritus, and congratulating Pope Francis on his election as Supreme 

Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

MARCH 15, 2013 

Mr. GRIMM (for himself, Mr. TIBERI, Mr. PASCRELL, and Mr. LIPINSKI) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 

Foreign Affairs 

RESOLUTION 

A resolution commemorating the life and service of Benedict 

XVI, Pope Emeritus, and congratulating Pope Francis 

on his election as Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic 

Church. 

Whereas Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus, a man of monumental courage and humility, whose unceasing love and 

devotion to the ministry of Christ helped steward the 

Catholic Church and the faithful through the daunting 

challenges of the 21st century; 

Whereas Benedict leaves behind an enduring legacy, both as 

renowned theologian and kind-hearted leader who balanced the august splendor of the papacy with a gentle 

humanity, and masterfully communicated the timeless 


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•HRES 120 IH 

morality of the Church in a crusade against the modern 

evils of relativism, materialism, and consumerism; 

Whereas the election to the papacy of His Holiness Pope 

Francis, formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, marks a groundbreaking moment in the life of 

the Catholic Church, elevating a marvelous suitor to lead 

the world’s largest apostolic Christian ministry; 

Whereas Pope Francis has inspired a vibrant sense of reform 

and spiritual renewal in the Church, representing the 

first pontiff born in the New World, the first hailing from 

Latin America, and the first prelate ordained in the renowned Society of Jesus or Jesuits; 

Whereas the Pope’s chosen regnal name of Francis, after St. 

Francis of Assisi, as well as his unrivaled reputation as 

a personally devoted minister to the needs of the poor 

and outcast, emphasizes the opportunities and obligations 

of mankind to serve a missionary role in advancing peace, 

social justice, and moral contemplation for the betterment of all God’s children; 

Whereas as President of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, 

Pope Francis’ experience as spiritual guide and premiere 

pastoral administrator of one of the Holy See’s largest 

and most active diocese reveals his unique ability to accomplish much needed reforms in the Vatican and sustain a growing Church in the world’s developing communities in Latin America, Africa, and Asia; and 

Whereas Pope Francis’ striking humility and simple 

gentleness empowers him to connect with and renew the 

hearts of the faithful and heal the recent wounds of the 

Church: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 


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•HRES 120 IH 

1 (1) offers its congratulations to Pope Francis 

2 as he embarks on the sacred burden as the leader 

3 of the world’s 1,200,000,000 Catholics; and 

4 (2) extends its gratitude and well-wishes to 

5 Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus, for his service to the 

6 world community as he enters the next phase of his 

7 devotion to the Church in solemn prayer and reflec8 tion. 

Æ 


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