Ken Hackett, executive director of Catholic Relief Services, says the U.S. visit holds special meaning for his organization, which works to alleviate poverty and human suffering around the world.
"Immediately prior to his visit to the United States, Pope John Paul II completed his 11th trip to Africa. During that visit, he exhorted the wealthier regions of the world not to forget their responsibility to help those less fortunate. He said: 'The cry that goes out to the richer nations from the peoples of Africa is for aid, cooperation and solidarity which effectively respect people as people, poor or rich, powerless or powerful, all united in the one human family and in the same human dignity.'
"Pope John Paul II reaches out to all peoples of the world in a myriad of tongues. Yet even when speaking a language foreign to us, he speaks in a language we understand. From this small but important gesture, we see that his heart is with all the people of the world. This is why we draw particular inspiration from our leader, whose vision encompasses our own."
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