Hastert presents Pope with Congressional Gold Medal

From CNN Correspondent Jonathan Karl

House Speaker Dennis Hastert, center, flanked by Rep. Joe Moakley, left, presents Pope John Paul II with the Congressional Gold Medal during a private audience to a delegation of senators and House members at the Vatican, Monday

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- House Speaker Dennis Hastert presented Pope John Paul II with the Congressional Gold Medal while visiting Vatican City as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation Monday.

"This award celebrates your life not only as a spiritual leader of a billion Catholics, but also as a peace maker, healer, and beacon of light to the whole world," Hastert, R-Illinois, told the Pope, according to a statement released by his office.

First awarded to George Washington, the Congressional Gold Medal is considered the most distinguished honor bestowed by Congress.

The delegation's meeting with the Pope is part of a trip that is to include stops in Morocco and Kosovo. Democrats on the trip include Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Alabama, and Chris John, D-Louisiana -- two moderates whose support may be crucial to the success of President-elect George W. Bush's agenda in Congress.

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