Council of Major Superiors of Men Leadership Conference of Women Religious

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Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-4152 Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-4152

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www.cmsm.org www.lcwr.org

For immediate release

Joint Statement of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the Conference of Major Superiors of Men on the Death of Pope John Paul II

Issued in Rome - April 3, 2005

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the Conference of Major Superiors of Men express sorrow at the death of Pope John Paul II. His untiring service to the Catholic Church and the world will long be appreciated. Of his many achievements, we are particularly grateful for his championship of human rights and unwavering commitment to the oppressed, his work for freedom in Eastern and Central Europe, and his courageous actions for peace. We are also mindful of his gratitude and support for the gift of consecrated life to the Church. We pray that Pope John Paul II’s unceasing dedication to work for the common good of the entire global community bear great fruit in the years to come.

Ronald Witherup. SS Christine Vladimiroff, OSB

President: CMSM President: LCWR

Contact in Rome for CMSM and LCWR Presidents: 06.6840.191

For additional information:

Stan De Boe, OSST Annmarie Sanders, IHM

Conference of Major Superiors of Men Leadership Conference of Women Religious

Communications Director Communications Director

301-588-4030 301-588-4955

301-672-3043 (cell)