USCCB President Congratulates Newly Elected Pope

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York,president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), congratulates thenewly elected pope, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

"PopeFrancis 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 offerprayers for our new leader and promise allegiance to him," Cardinal Dolan said."Intense prayer from all around the world surrounded the election of Pope Francis. The bishops of the United States thank God for the guidance of the HolySpirit and the inspired choice of the College of Cardinals."

CardinalBergoglio, 76, was elevated to the College of Cardinals on February 21, 2001,in Rome. He was born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires. Ordained a priestfor the Jesuits in 1969, he was ordained a bishop in 1992. He was appointed coadjutor archbishop ofBuenos Aires in 1997, succeeding Cardinal Antonio Quarracino on February 28,1998.

Pope Francis becomes the 266th pope in the history of the Catholic Church, and the 265thsuccessor of St. Peter.

Fulltext of the statement follows:

Theelection of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who has taken the name Francis, marksa great milestone in our church. As successor to Peter, our first pope, Pope Francis stands as the figure of unity for all Catholics wherever they reside. Thebishops of the United States and the people of our 195 dioceses offer prayersfor our new leader and promise allegiance to him.

Intenseprayer from all around the world surrounded the election of Pope Francis. Thebishops of the United States thank God for the guidance of the Holy Spirit andthe inspired choice of the College of Cardinals.

With joy in our hearts,we declare "Ad Multos Annos!" (For many years!)

---

Keywords: Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, U.S. Conference ofCatholic Bishops, USCCB, papal election, conclave, College of Cardinals, successorof Peter

# # # # #