April 2nd- Pope John Paul II Day in Canada

Bill C-266: An Act to establish Pope John Paul II Day

Whereas Pope John Paul II served as the pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church from October 16, 1978, until his death on April 2, 2005;

Whereas Pope John Paul II is widely recognized as a leading figure in the history of the Roman Catholic Church and the world and played an influential and vital role in promoting international understanding and peace;

Whereas Pope John Paul II loved young persons and was instrumental in establishing World Youth Day in 1985 as a way to inspire youth and encourage them in living out the teachings of Christ;

Whereas Pope John Paul II visited Canada in his capacity as Pope for the first time in 1984 and later in 1987 and 2002;

And whereas Pope John Paul II visited many countries around the world and helped to end communism in Eastern Europe;

Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the second day of April is to be known as “Pope John Paul II Day”.