October 14, 2009 // Uncategorized

USCCB president congratulates Obama on receiving Nobel Peace Prize

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, congratulated U.S. President Barack Obama on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize Oct. 9.

“As he has graciously said, much of the work of realizing a more peaceful and just world for all persons and nations remains to be done; but the prize was given because, as president of the United States, he has already changed the international conversation,” Cardinal George said in a statement released by the USCCB Oct. 12.

“In our own country, the remarkable and historic achievement of his election has changed the relationships between men and women of all races,” the cardinal said.

“The rich diversity of United States society is now more surely anchored in a national unity that is better able to foster the peace we all are challenged to pursue. Our prayer is that almighty God will bless the president and his family,” he added.

In remarks at the White House the day the prize was announced, Obama said he was “surprised and deeply humbled” by the honor.

“Let me be clear: I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations,” he said.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the U.S. president was chosen “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”

“Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world’s attention and given its people hope for a better future,” it said Oct. 9.

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