WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today commented on the legacy of Pope John Paul II on the third anniversary of his death.

Brownback said, "Pope John Paul II remains a hero of history and a saint for the new millennium. We rightly reflect on his example of leadership and courage.

"John Paul II stood for the dignity of every life and fought for religious freedom and human rights throughout the world. He spent his entire life giving a voice to the voiceless and fighting on behalf of the weak and marginalized.

"Karol Wojtyla lived through two totalitarian regimes and was instrumental in the fall of communism. He was a man who suffered much but spent his whole life trying to alleviate the suffering of others. He had a very deep and personal effect on my own faith, and I am still moved by the outpouring of support and prayer following his death in April 2005.

"Pope John Paul II was a witness to hope and a beacon of light for people of all faiths and all walks of life. We all still value his example of gentleness and courage. John Paul II fought for every life everywhere and encouraged us to do the same. History will look fondly on the simple priest from Poland who became Bishop of Rome. Karol Wojtyla was a gift from God who advanced a culture of life and civilization of love around the world. Today, we rightly remember him as Pope John Paul the Great."

In April 2000, Brownback authored the Senate legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Pope John Paul II. Brownback traveled with a congressional delegation to Rome in January 2001 to present the medal to the pope.