Congresswoman Nita Lowey issued the following statement on the passing of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II:

“Many years ago, I had the honor of having an audience with the Holy Father, whose remarkable devotion to helping others has inspired millions. 

“Pope John Paul II was not only a spiritual leader, he was also a great humanitarian who encouraged governments to do more to help those most desperately in need.  As a leading voice for freedom in Eastern Europe, he surely hastened the end of the Cold War.

“I join people around the world in mourning his passing and remembering his tremendous legacy.”