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U.S. Congress gives Pope John Paul gold medal, granted private audience with Prelate,

U.S. Congress has private audience with Pope John Paul gold medal

VATICAN CITY, Jan 8 (Reuters) - A delegation of American legislators gave Pope John Paul the House of Representatives' most prestigious civilian award on Monday to honour him for his contribution to world peace and religious understanding.

The 80-year-old Pope 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.

The Pope, leader of the world's one billion Roman Catholics, has consistently preached a message of peace since his election in 1978.

Previous recipients of the medal include British wartime leader Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and George Washington, the first American president.

Kansas Senator Sam Brownback said Congress had awarded the medal to the Pope because of his message of hope that "desperately needs to be heard."

09:52 01-08-01

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Pope with Congressmen

Mon Jan 8