Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada, released the following statement on Pope John Paul II Day:
“Today, Poles and Catholics around the world will celebrate the pontificate and servant leadership of John Paul II. But the life of Karol Wojtyła was remarkable from the start.
“As a young man, he lived through the Nazi occupation of his beloved Polish homeland, attending an underground seminary in defiance of German rule. While a young priest, he witnessed the imposition of socialism and the descent of an iron curtain that would sever Poland from the democratic world and plunge it into darkness.
“Many would have become disheartened, but his message was always one of hope. On his election to the Holy See nearly five decades ago, he uttered the famous words that defined his pontificate: ‘be not afraid!’
“The leader of our nation’s largest confession, John Paul II visited Canada three times as Pope. Across our country, schools and institutions bear his name, and the Church he led remains an essential part of our communities from coast to coast to coast.
“On behalf of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada, I want to wish all those celebrating a very happy Pope John Paul II Day!”