For Immediate Release:
April 1, 2005

Statement by: Mary Grant
SNAP Board Member and West Regional Leader

On the occasion of the death of Pope John Paul II

"Many of our members are saddened by the death of Pope John Paul II, who was to many Catholics around the world, a symbol of compassion and integrity.

In the spring of 2002, we were greatly encouraged when the Pope told American church leaders that there was "no place in the priesthood for those who would harm the young." In expressing his solidarity with victims and their families, the Pope went on to say that abuse is "rightly considered a crime by society; it is also an appalling sin in the eyes of God."

We hope that those sentiments will be an enduring part of his legacy, along with his many other notable achievements. Bishops across the world should honor Pope John Paul's memory by using this strong sentiment as a guiding rule in dealing with sex crimes by clergy.

We also hope that his successor will fight harder to protect children and address, in a forthright and assertive manner, the sexual abuse of innocent children and vulnerable adults within the church.

For more information contact:
Barbara Blaine, President of SNAP, Chicago 312-399-4747
David Clohessy, National Director of SNAP, St. Louis 314-566-9790
Mary Grant, LA Regional Director, 626-419-2930
Mark Serrano, DC area, 703-771-9606
Paul Steidler, DC area, 703-217-9452
Peter Isely, Milwaukee 414-429-7259
Mark Furnish, New York 518-366-5842