Pope to receive Congressional Medal

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives voted May 23 to present the Congressional Gold Medal to Pope John Paul II. The honor recognizes his contributions to peace and religious understanding. The measure, passed on a 416-1 vote, praised the Pope for using “his moral authority to hasten the fall of godless totalitarian regimes.” Earlier this year Congress accorded the same honor to Cardinal John O’Connor, who died May 3. The medial is the nation’s highest civilian honor. Others who have received it include George Washington, Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa and Billy Graham.