We have a Pope! Thanks be to God!
 
With the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina to the Chair of Peter we have a new Pope who has chosen to be called Francis. It is with great joy that we welcome the new Bishop of Rome as the leader of more than one billion Catholics throughout the world. 
 
Over the past weeks, since the resignation of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Vatican City has been the focus of the world as the process of filling the shoes of the fisherman moved slowly and deliberately to its conclusion.
 
Our prayers must now be that the new Pontiff be given the grace, wisdom and strength to lead the Church in its mission of proclaiming the Gospel message of healing and forgiving love to all in this universal Church and a troubled world.
 
This is a time for Catholics to abandon petty squabbles and unite in prayerful support of this man called by God to lead His Church.