A delegation of American legislators gave Pope John Paul II the House of Representatives' most prestigious civilian award today to honour him for his contribution to world peace and religious understanding.
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Pope John Paul II receives top US award |
The 80-year-old Pontiff accepted the Congressional Gold Medal during an audience for some 50 American legislators from the House and Senate.
"I gladly accept the Congressional Gold Medal as a recognition that in my ministry there has echoed a word that can touch every human heart," the Pope, who rarely accepts prizes, said in a brief acceptance address.
"I accept this award as a sign that you, as legislators, recognize the importance of defending human dignity without compromise," he said.
Previous recipients of the medal include British wartime leader Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and George Washington, the first American president.
Reuters