Post date: Mar 15, 2013 3:17:17 PM
I welcome very much the election of Pope Francis. As a priest and a bishop, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has amassed a great wealth of pastoral experience which he can now share with the universal Church.
St Francis of Assisi is reputed to have said, ‘Proclaim the Gospel always and if necessary use words.' I am sure that Pope Francis will spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in all that he says and does, using his words wisely to promote in particular the Church's social teaching, giving a
message of peace and justice which the world needs to hear more than ever.
The Catholics of the Diocese of Nottingham join their brothers and sisters throughout the world, Christians of other traditions, and people of all faiths and none in congratulating Pope Francis and praying for him, that he may have a long, blessed and joyful ministry as Successor of Saint Peter.
Rt Rev Malcolm McMahon OP
Bishop of Nottingham