New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan on Wednesday heralded the selection of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina as a “great milestone” in the history of the Catholic Church.
“The election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who has taken the name Francis I, marks a great milestone in our church,” said Dolan, who participated in the Conclave which elected the successor to Pope Benedict XVI. “As successor to Peter, our first pope, Pope Francis I stands as the figure of unity for all Catholics wherever they reside. The bishops of the United States and the people of our 195 dioceses offer prayers for our new leader and promise allegiance to him.”
Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, added that “intense prayer from all around the world surrounded the election of Pope Francis I. The bishops of the United States thank God for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the inspired choice of the College of Cardinals.”
Himself rumored to be among the contenders for the Papacy, Dolan concluded his written statement by saying, “With joy in our hearts, we declare ‘Ad Multos Annos!’ (For many years!).”
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