BUSH WELCOMES OPENING OF JOHN PAUL II CULTURAL CENTER

By Dave Andrusko


When pro-life George W. Bush visited the opening of the new Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., the new President took the opportunity to effusively praise the Pontiff in front of an enthusiastically receptive audience of 1,200 guests.

"Always, the Pope points us to the things that last and the love that saves," Bush said. "We thank God for this rare man, a servant of God and a hero of history."

Naturally in his March 22 remarks Mr. Bush paid especial tribute to Pope John Paul's
eloquent defense of unborn life."The Pope reminds us that while freedom defines our nation, responsibility must define our lives," the President said. "He challenges us to live up to our aspirations, to be a fair and just society where all are welcomed, all are valued, and all are protected. And he is never more eloquent than when he speaks for a culture of life. The culture of life is a welcoming culture, never excluding, never dividing, never despairing and always affirming the goodness of life in all its seasons."

Mr. Bush then added, "The center we dedicate today celebrates the Pope's message, its comfort and its challenge. This place stands for the dignity of the human person, the value of every life and the splendor of truth. And, above all, it stands, in the Pope's words, for the 'joy of faith in a troubled world.'"

The center, a 10-year project, was funded by private donations. The facility is an impressive state-of-the-art museum that tells the story of the Catholic Church, the papacy of John Paul II, and the response of Catholicism to modern culture and ethnic diversity.

Coincidentally, the center's high-tech exhibits were created by Edwin Schlossberg. Schlossberg is the husband of Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, niece of Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Both uncle and niece are ardently pro-abortion. Both remained seated and did not clap while others gave the President a standing ovation when he said, "We must defend in love the innocent child waiting to be born."

Surrounded by seven cardinals on the front lawn of the 12-acre site near Catholic University, Mr. Bush, a Methodist, was clearly at ease. He noted that he welcomed living in the Archdiocese of Washington, which is led by recently installed Cardinal Theodore E. McCormick.

"Though we're both new to our jobs, I'm the only one who is term- limited," he joked.

Cardinal Adam J. Maida, archbishop of Detroit and head of the foundation that built the museum, shepherded the 10,000-square- foot museum to completion. After cutting a ribbon with Cardinal Maida, President Bush toured the $65 million facility.

According to Catholic News Service, the center was originally envisioned as "a sort of papal equivalent of presidential libraries. Its content has been expanded to incorporate exhibits about the history of Catholicism and other religions, art exhibits, and ways for visitors to leave testimonials about faith, hope, and service."

The night before, President Bush hosted about 60 bishops and other church leaders at a White House reception.