[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 12 (Monday, March 26, 2001)]
[Pages 482-483]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks to Catholic Leaders

March 21, 2001

    Thank you all very much for that warm reception, and welcome to the 
White House--the people's house. It is such an honor to live here, and 
it's an honor for me to receive you all. And I look forward to thanking 
you in person for coming.
    It's also a high honor for me to be on the podium with so many 
outstanding leaders of faith. I've had the honor of meeting many of the 
cardinals who are here and many of the bishops and archbishops from 
around the country. I've been struck by how humble the good folks are, 
how there's a universal love for mankind and a deep concern for those 
who are not as fortunate as some of us. The

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Catholic Church is fortunate to have such strong, capable, decent 
leadership. And America is fortunate to have such strong leaders in our 
midst.
    I want to thank the cardinals and bishops who are here, and thank 
you for your service and love for your fellow mankind.
    I've been struck by a lot of things as I've had the opportunity to 
meet the leadership of the Catholic Church. I think the thing that has 
captured my heart the most is the not only universal care for the weak 
and the suffering but also the strong focus on making sure every child 
is educated.
    And for those of you involved with the education system in America, 
thank you for your hard work. For those of you who are the 
administrators, thanks for providing great education. For those who give 
your hard-earned dollars to support the education systems around 
America, please continue to do so. [Laughter] Isn't that right, Bishop? 
[Laughter] It's an incredibly important part of the mosaic of a hopeful 
tomorrow.
    I also appreciate the prayers of many of my fellow Americans. Many 
times layman and leader alike says, ``Mr. President, we pray for you,'' 
and for that I'm most grateful. It does remind me that I think there's a 
great awakening in America; people are rediscovering the inspiration of 
faith in their lives and the importance of faith in our society. Faith 
gives our lives dignity, and faith gives our lives direction. Faith 
makes our Nation more just and more generous and welcoming.
    All of you are part of the humanizing mission which is part of the 
``Great Commission'' and the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, which we 
will dedicate tomorrow, will bring this message to generations of 
Americans in this Capital of our Nation. The best way to honor Pope John 
Paul II, truly one of the great men, is to take his teaching seriously, 
is to listen to his words and put his words and teachings into action 
here in America. This is a challenge we must accept.
    But you know something about our country? With the right focus and 
the right leadership, it's a challenge this Nation will accept, because 
this is a great land. The greatness of the country lies in the hearts 
and souls of our citizens. And again, I want to thank those of you who 
inspire and teach love and compassion and hope.
    God bless you all.

Note: The President spoke at 5:18 p.m. in the East Room at the White 
House.