Press Release
March 14, 2013

ON THE ELECTION OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS

I join the entire Christendom in a prayer of thanks for the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis, the new Vicar of Christ, Bishop of Rome, head of state of the Vatican, and the shepherd of the Catholic Church.

Like billions of Catholics around the world, I greet Pope Francis' election with a great measure of hope and optimism because it signals a fresh start. For many Catholics, this beacon of hope and optimism could very well rekindle a faith scarred by scandals and controversies.

I call on Catholics and Christians, and citizens of the world for that matter, to pray for His Holiness Pope Francis, that he may find the strength, courage, and humility, to steer our Church through her most turbulent times.

I also pray that His Holiness Pope Francis guide us as we continue to face our trials and tribulations as Catholics everyday.

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