WASHINGTON (December 27, 2006)- The President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Bishop William S. Skylstad, has issued a statement on the death of President Gerald R. Ford. This is the text of the statement:

"We mourn the passing of President Gerald Ford while we celebrate the life of a
great and good man who served his country with nobility and distinction. As a
healing presence for the nation at a time when it was much needed, President Ford
earned his country's lasting gratitude. We pray for the repose of the soul of our
38th President and express our heartfelt condolences to his wife and family."

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